The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is undoubtedly the most significant event held that has helped to put Kochi on the map as a major destination for contemporary art. Although this year’s Biennale may have ended, all of its locations hold great historical significance. A vast, whitewashed structure crowned with a red-tiled roof, called the Aspinwall House is more than just the primary venue for Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
A History Of 179 Years
Aspinwall House happens to be a 19th-century building that stands proudly overlooking the sea as a noble reminder of its past. It has a rich history that extends beyond its role in the biennale, however. The mansion was initially built as a private residence for the legendary trader, John Aspinwall and his family in order to set up his business, Aspinwall & Co. It was one of the earliest enterprises on the Malabar coast of south India.
The house was constructed using a mix of Indian and European architectural styles, reflecting the cultural influences that were present in Kochi at the time. This colonial mansion was later used for a variety of purposes, including as a warehouse for spices and other goods, as a godown for shipping operations, and as a hotel. Apart from the exports of goods, the company was also said to be in the business of boat-making.
Also Read: Once A Storehouse In 1877, Then A Godown, This Boutique Hotel In Kochi Is Now A Museum Resort
It is said that Aspinwall was a popular figure in Kochi who served as the Chairman of Fort Kochi Municipality from 1875 until 1878. Although he returned to England towards the end of his life, when the news of his death reached the shores of Kochi, many shops and businesses of Fort Kochi were shut down as a tribute. Aspinwall and Company represent the age of prosperity of private British business in Kochi.
A Celebration Of Art
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are full of remnants of an array of old British business houses. But this monumental structure got destroyed in the great fire of 1889 that destroyed many properties in Fort Kochi. The present structure was built after the fire of 1890. In 1956, it became a public limited company and the Travancore Royal family agreed to acquire the controlling shares.
The house itself is a work of art, with its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. The galleries of the mansion feature a mix of contemporary art and historic artefacts. The wooden floors, doors, and windows with ornate carvings speak of a bygone era.
Now, the space is used as a venue for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Its quiet corners transform into a hive of activity as it forms the backdrop for the esteemed Biennale. Surviving wars and colonialism, Aspinwall House is a remarkable testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kochi and India. A journey to Kochi is incomplete without a visit to this historic space!
Where: Fort Kochi
When: 10 am – 6 pm
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons
First Published: April 11, 2023 5:04 PM