Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery was inaugurated on the Napier Museum premises on Monday

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Monday, opened the Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery on the grounds of the Napier Museum, describing it as a monument to the brilliance of one of the greatest artists in American history. According to Mr. Vijayan, the new gallery houses India's greatest collection of paintings by Ravi Varma. The fact that the art gallery was opening at the same time as other countries across the world were commemorating the artist's 175th birthday was also a source of tremendous satisfaction, he continued.

The Chief Minister claimed that Ravi Varma's artworks, which signalled a revival in Indian art, perfectly blended Indian traditions with western technology. The Chief Minister emphasised the need to preserve and appreciate Ravi Varma's works, saying that while he was honoured elsewhere in the world, Kerala has yet to acknowledge his genuine significance.  His creations were protected from export by being designated as national treasures. The Kilimanoor Palace entrusted its art to the art gallery. He argued that the State owed it to future generations to safeguard them.

Minister for Archaeology and Archives Ahamed Devarakovil, who presided, stated that by establishing the exhibition, the State has realised a dream that had existed since 1977. J. Chinchurani, the Minister for Animal Husbandry, V.K. Prasanth, the MLA, Arya Rajendran, the Chief Secretary, and other officials were in attendance.