[1] The Museum is grounds to the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest zoological gardens in India.

Although it has never been an issue due to suitable natural ventilation, an annex built in 2016 was noted for various problems such as mold, insects and corrosion owing to the lack of windows and openings.

[8][9] The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

The Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are the inspiration for the museum's collection of Javanese shadow play leather puppets.

Closed on Mondays, Wednesday forenoons, 26 January, 15 August, Thiruvonam and Mahanavami.