Established in 1935 by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal, the Sree Chithra Art Gallery near the Napier Museum displays a rare collection of paintings. Works of acclaimed artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich; exquisite works from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools of art, are on display here. An oriental collection consisting of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali offers a visual treat and are a tribute to the art and culture of these countries. The collection also includes unique copies of Indian mural paintings from pre-historic times down to the 18th Century.