Melody World Wax Museum Mysore: Timings, Ticket, Entry Fee, Location

Inside a heritage building over 90 years old, tucked beneath the scenic backdrop of Chamundi Hills, more than 100 life-sized wax statues sit frozen mid-performance alongside over 1,000 musical instruments from around the world — this is Melody World Wax Museum, home to Karnataka’s largest musical instrument collection and widely cited as the third-largest wax museum in India. Conceptualised by IT professional Shreeji Bhaskaran and opened in October 2010 as a tribute to musicians worldwide, the museum spans 19 themed galleries just 3 km from Mysore Palace. If a visit is on your Mysuru itinerary, here’s a complete guide to Melody World Wax Museum’s timings, ticket price, entry fee, and location.

Quick Facts: Melody World Wax Museum

A Musician’s Tribute Built With Sophisticated Technology

Melody World Wax Museum was the brainchild of Bangalore-based IT professional Shreeji Bhaskaran, who conceptualised and developed the entire museum himself, driven by a genuine passion for wax craft and music. What makes the museum’s operations distinctive is that it’s managed using sophisticated computer technology applied by Bhaskaran and his wife Reena, giving this privately owned, non-government-aided institution an unusually tech-forward approach to a traditionally hands-on art form.

The setting adds its own charm — the museum occupies a heritage Mysore building over 90 years old, located in a picturesque garden beneath Chamundi Hills, right next to Karanji Lake. This combination of historic architecture and scenic surroundings makes the visit feel distinctly different from a typical modern wax museum.

What You’ll See Inside: 19 Galleries of Music and Wax

The museum’s collection is organised across 19 distinct galleries, each built around a specific musical genre or theme:

• Indian classical music displays – Featuring Hindustani and Carnatic musical traditions
• Regional and folk genres – Including Punjabi Bhangra and tribal music instruments
• International music sections – Covering Middle Eastern, Chinese, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Rock genres
• Life-sized wax statues – Over 100 figures depicting musicians in performance, posed alongside their instruments
• A grand statue of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodiyar – The former king of Mysore, a special standalone attraction
• Interactive instrument section – A dedicated area where visitors can actually play select musical instruments for a nominal fee
• Additional attractions on-site – Some listings mention an adjoining Horror World section, Vortex Tunnel, Mirror Maze, VR games, and trampoline activities, though these appear to be more recent additions and may not be present at every visit

Given the sheer breadth of musical genres represented, from traditional Indian classical to contemporary Western styles, the museum genuinely works as both a music lover’s destination and a general sightseeing stop for visitors simply curious about the wax figure craft.

Melody World Wax Museum Timings

Based on the most consistently reported schedule:

• Open: All seven days of the week (though one source cites a Tuesday closure, most listings report daily operation)
• Hours: 9:30 AM to 7:00/7:30 PM
• Best time to visit: Late morning to early afternoon, avoiding the busiest weekend crowds

Given the minor inconsistency around a possible weekly closure, it’s worth confirming current operating days directly with the museum before planning a visit, particularly if you’re travelling specifically for this stop.

Entry Fee and Ticket Price

Reported pricing shows considerable variation across sources and time periods:

• Adults: Reported anywhere between ₹30 and ₹60, depending on the source and year
• Children (5–15 years): ₹5–₹30, depending on listing
• Children below 5 years: Free entry
• Senior citizens: ₹5–₹10 per some sources
• Camera fee: Ranges from ₹10 for still cameras to ₹100 for additional attractions like the Vortex Tunnel or VR games

Given how much reported pricing has varied across different listings and years, it’s genuinely best to confirm the current entry fee directly at the museum counter or through their official contact number before your visit.

Location and How to Reach

The museum sits in Siddhartha Layout, close to Mysore’s Chamundi Hills and Karanji Lake.

• Address: 1, Vihara Marga, Kurubara Halli, Siddhartha Layout, Mysuru, Karnataka 570011
• From Mysore Palace: Approximately 3 km
• From Mysore Railway Station: Approximately 5 km
• From Mysore Bus Stand: Approximately 3 km
• Nearest bus stop: Jockey Quarters, roughly 400 metres away
• By road: Easily reachable by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or app-based cab from anywhere in Mysuru

Given its proximity to Mysore Palace and Karanji Lake, the museum fits naturally into a broader Mysuru sightseeing circuit.

Tips for a Smoother Visit

• Confirm the current entry fee and weekly schedule directly with the museum before visiting, given the variation across sources
• Try the interactive instrument section if you want to actually play any of the displayed instruments
• Combine your trip with nearby Mysore Palace and Karanji Lake, both a short distance away
• Visit if you have a genuine interest in musical instruments, since some visitors note the experience is best suited to music enthusiasts
• Set aside 1–3 hours depending on whether you also explore any additional attractions like the Vortex Tunnel or Horror World

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why do reported entry fees vary so dramatically, from ₹30 to ₹60?

Pricing has evidently been revised multiple times since the museum’s 2010 opening, and various travel platforms haven’t consistently updated their listings to reflect the current rate. It’s best to confirm the exact current entry fee by calling the museum directly before your visit.

Q2. Is this museum worth visiting if I’m not particularly interested in musical instruments?

Some visitors have noted the experience is best suited to musicians or music enthusiasts, since a large part of the collection focuses specifically on instruments from various genres and eras. If you’re a casual visitor, the wax statues and heritage building setting can still make for an interesting stop, though your enjoyment may depend on your interest level in music.

Q3. Can I actually play the musical instruments on display, or are they purely for viewing?

Yes, there’s a dedicated section where visitors can play select musical instruments for a nominal additional fee, making it more interactive than a typical museum visit. This hands-on element is often cited by visitors as one of the more memorable parts of the experience.

Q4. Is the museum suitable for a quick stop, or does it need a dedicated few hours?

Most visitors report needing anywhere from 15 minutes to 2–3 hours, depending largely on their personal interest in the exhibits and whether they explore any additional attractions on the premises. If you’re short on time, a focused walk through the core galleries can be completed relatively quickly.