At Jayalakshmi Vilas mansion stands the University Folklore Museum, one of the best in Asia, with a vast collection of 6,500 or so indigenous art form depictions, artefacts and handicraft items related to art, culture, literature, dance, drama and music from the state of Karnataka. Palaeolithic tools found during excavations at the districts of Koppa, Banavasi and Rajghatta are preserved also here. The part of the palace that once was a marriage hall, is now the site where personal belongings of famous poets and writers are kept, including clothing, pens, umbrellas, diaries and original writings. Another section is dedicated to performing arts such as Yakshagana (traditional theatre form) and Kathakali (classical dance form); masks, crowns and ornaments used by the dancers are also on display.

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