Discovering Nepal, the fascinating country where Lord Buddha, the “enlightened one”, was born, involves more than just visiting famous landmarks or shopping in the cities. Plan a trip to one of Nepal’s superbly designed museums to get a sense of the country’s fascinating culture and history.
A day spent studying Nepal’s conflicts or its animals and vegetation are well spent. Nepal has a great deal to offer tourists who are always fascinated and intrigued by the history of our existence.
A list of the Top 10 Famous Museums in Nepal is below:
1. The Museum of Patan
The Patan Museum is a must-see for anybody visiting Nepal, whether or not they are interested in Hindu and Buddhist architecture and religious handicrafts. This Museum, housed in the former royal palace in Patan Durbar Square, has been dubbed the best in South Asia, and it’s simple to understand why once you step inside.
The Museum’s interior has been wonderfully refurbished (thanks to Austrian money), making it a lovely location to roam, peering out the latticed windows down to Durbar Square.
And, if you want to learn about Kathmandu Valley architecture, the Patan Museum contains lovely and intriguing exhibitions. Come at the start of your Nepal vacation to have a better understanding of what you’re about to see outside.
There’s also an excellent gift shop on-site, and the outside restaurant in the back offers great dal bhat (you don’t have to buy a museum ticket to dine here).
Location: Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur
Ticket Price: ₹1,000 for foreigners, ₹250 for SAARC nationals, ₹30 for Nepalese
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: A rich collection of traditional Nepalese art and artifacts.
- Activities: Viewing sculptures, wood carvings, and metal works from the Malla period.
- Local Attractions: Located in the historic Patan Durbar Square.
- Travel Tips: Allocate a few hours to explore both the museum and the square.
2. Nepal’s National Museum
This historic monument celebrates Nepal’s extraordinary history and culture, highlighting the heroic exploits of military veterans throughout wars fought in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Weaponry, sculptures, paintings, and murals from centuries ago have been preserved and are currently on show in the three structures. The first, the main structure, is divided into three sections:
The natural history part displays rare flora and wildlife.
The philatelic area shows historic coins & stamps.
The cultural portion.
Location: Chhauni, Kathmandu
Ticket Price: ₹150 for adults, ₹50 for students
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and public holidays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Historical artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and weaponry.
- Activities: Guided tours, exploring exhibits on Nepalese history, culture, and art.
- Local Attractions: Close to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
- Travel Tips: Allocate 2-3 hours to explore the entire museum.
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3. Nepal Children’s Art Museum
The Children’s Museum of the Art of Nepal was established in 2014 to educate students on project-based art-making while preparing them for 21st-century skills.
This Kathmandu-based Museum’s primary objective is to encourage artwork and education in Nepal. This Museum is a must-see for everyone interested in supporting local artists and providing a creative atmosphere for children.
Location: Tangal, Kathmandu
Ticket Price: Free entry
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Saturdays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Art created by children, interactive exhibits.
- Activities: Art workshops, educational programs, and exhibitions.
- Local Attractions: Near Thamel and Garden of Dreams.
- Travel Tips: Great for families with children; check for ongoing workshops and events.
4. Museum Tribhuvan
The Tribhuvan Museum is housed within the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the palace of King Tribhuvan, and is packed with the king’s treasures. The king’s walking staff with a hidden blade within, the majestic throne, his beautiful jewelry, and pictures of the royal family members are among the unusual objects on show in the Museum.
After the building began in the mid-17th century, the palace and its woodwork-carved architecture took generations to complete.
Location: Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu Durbar Square
Ticket Price: ₹150 for adults, ₹50 for students
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and public holidays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Personal belongings, photographs, and memorabilia of King Tribhuvan.
- Activities: Exploring royal artifacts and learning about the Shah dynasty.
- Local Attractions: Located within Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Travel Tips: Combine the visit with a tour of the Durbar Square complex.
5. The Natural History Museum
The Museum of Natural History is located south of Swayambhunath, next to the National Museum of Nepal. This Museum is yet to be marked as a tourist destination on Nepal’s maps. The Institute for Science and Technology is assisting the Museum in its efforts to keep numerous kinds of flora and wildlife from becoming extinct.
Nepal’s terrain is quite diversified. It has valleys, high-altitude plains, and many different species of plants. The Natural History Museum holds around 9000 kinds of plants from both the floral and non-flowering groups.
Another area of the Museum displays numerous species of vertebrates & non-vertebrates. There are around 40,000 species can be found. The collection has a wide range of prehistoric shells, animal fossils, snakes, and butterfly species.
Location: Swoyambhu, Kathmandu
Ticket Price: ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for students
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM (Closed on Saturdays and public holidays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Collection of flora, fauna, fossils, and minerals.
- Activities: Educational tours and interactive exhibits on Nepal’s biodiversity.
- Local Attractions: Close to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
- Travel Tips: Ideal for nature enthusiasts and families.
6. Museum of Taragaon
Carl Pruscha, an Australian architect, built the Taragaon Hostel in 1972, and 42 years later, it was converted into a contemporary museum. Since then, the Taragaon Museum has strived to conserve & publicize Nepal’s vibrant culture & architecture.
The excellent Museum is suitable for individuals who want to detect Nepalese culture’s changes over the years, with paintings, pictures, sculptures, maps, and a variety of artworks from the 18th and nineteenth centuries shown in seven buildings. The framework of these structures, which cover 35,000 square feet and are made of red-facing brick, is an amalgamation of architectural forms divided by stone-paved quadrangles.
Aside from the exhibits, the structure also has a coffee bar, an event space, and two amphitheaters. There are also fashion exhibitions, seminars, and cinema screenings held here.
Location: Boudhanath, Kathmandu
Ticket Price: ₹200 for adults, ₹100 for students
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Contemporary art, photographs, and historical artifacts related to the Kathmandu Valley.
- Activities: Exploring the unique architecture, and viewing art exhibitions.
- Local Attractions: Close to Boudhanath Stupa.
- Travel Tips: Perfect for art and architecture enthusiasts.
7. Military Museum of Nepal
A trip through the halls of the Nepal Military Museum will transport you to the carnage on Nepal’s battlefields and the fatal battles waged by the courageous Nepalese warriors. The bravery and commitment of Nepal’s military personnel, as represented in a variety of displays, will give you goosebumps.
As you pass the massive gates, you will see an army tank, a jet, a few gun launchers, and the legendary Queen Elizabeth’s Rolls Royce. The genuine weapons, trophies, combat attires, and steel armor worn by the warriors throughout the fights may be found in the stellar Museum’s various halls.
The walls are ornamented with murals of fighting scenes from World Conflicts and wars waged against Tibetans. There is also an oil picture of the courageous warrior Queen Rajendra Laxmi Devi Shah. Finally, a statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah has been put inside the premises as a tribute to his sacrifice and determination to unify Nepal.
Location: Chhauni, Kathmandu
Ticket Price: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM (Closed on Saturdays and public holidays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Military artifacts, uniforms, weaponry, and historical displays.
- Activities: Learning about Nepal’s military history and achievements.
- Local Attractions: Close to the National Museum of Nepal.
- Travel Tips: Allocate about 1-2 hours to explore the museum.
8. Museum of Aviation
When Captain Bed Upreti observed the wrecked remnants of an Airbus 330-300 that had crash-landed on the runways of the Tribhuvan International Airport and intended to turn it into a fine museum, the phrase “Aviation Museum” was probably taken too literally.
The unfortunate tragedy occurred in March 2015 – the aircraft had only been flying for eight months – and after two years, it was reopened as the Aviation Museum of Nepal. It is the result of Captain Bed Upreti’s innovative idea and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s labor.
Location: Sinamangal, Kathmandu
Ticket Price: ₹250 for adults, ₹150 for students
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Displays aircraft models, aviation equipment, and insights into Nepal’s aviation history.
- Activities: Viewing retired aircraft, interactive exhibits, and flight simulators.
- Local Attractions: Near Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Travel Tips: Ideal for aviation enthusiasts and families with children.
9. Kagbeni Red House Gallery & Museum
This may be the most isolated Museum you’ve ever visited. The little village of Kagbeni, located in Lower Mustang, about an hour’s drive from Jomsom, is the final spot where visitors without an expensive Upper Mustang permit can remain.
Throughout its history, the freshly rebuilt Red House Lodge has been utilized for a variety of purposes, including a nunnery. The present proprietors of the striking red, grey, and white-striped resort have dedicated themselves to conserving and showcasing art and antiques from the breathtaking Himalayan region.
Location: Kagbeni, Mustang
Ticket Price: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Tibetan artifacts, traditional Thangka paintings, and local history exhibits.
- Activities: Exploring the gallery, learning about Tibetan culture, and viewing local art.
- Local Attractions: Close to the Annapurna trekking route.
- Travel Tips: Combine with trekking or a visit to nearby monasteries.
10. The National Bronze Art Museum
The National Bronze Art Museum, like the Patan Museum, is well-known. It can be found at Patan Durbar Square. This location, as the name implies, houses some of the most stunning bronze objects and products. Each of the works demonstrates the expertise of the local artisans.
The collection contains almost 900 items, all of which are allegedly from Patan and were created by local artisans. Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as Buddha statues, appear to predominate in the collection, with some dating back to the 11th century.
Most of them date from the Malla period; however, a few Hindu sculptures are heavily influenced by the Licchavi period. Even though the Museum has been there since 1735, it was rebuilt in 1997. The Museum preserves Nepal’s rich history and tradition while proudly displaying the talents of some of the country’s best artists.
Location: Bhaktapur, Nepal
Ticket Price: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Travel Experience:
- Museum Highlights: Bronze sculptures, artifacts, and traditional metalwork.
- Activities: Viewing intricate bronze art pieces and learning about the history of metalwork in Nepal.
- Local Attractions: Located in the historic city of Bhaktapur.
- Travel Tips: Allocate time to explore Bhaktapur’s other attractions, including its squares and temples.
Conclusion
It is widely known that history shapes the present. Museums are the ideal venue to learn about a country’s history and, to some extent, experience it. They contain a wealth of knowledge and allow a person to view what happened in the past with his own eyes. It also gives solutions to any remaining questions or concerns that a person may have. Nepal has several museums. It describes the monarchs and dynasties who controlled the land and the significant events that occurred in Nepal’s valleys.
How to learn more about Nepal:
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- Nepal’s 10 Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Winter
- Top 10 Offbeat Places in Nepal
- Best Time to Visit Nepal
- 20 Most Famous Destinations to See in Nepal
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the entry fee for the Taragaon Museum?
The entry fee for the Taragaon Museum may vary. It is best to check their official website or contact them directly for the latest pricing details.
2. Where is the National Museum of Nepal situated?
The National Museum of Nepal is situated in Chhauni, Kathmandu.
3. Which museum is considered the best in Kathmandu?
Some of the best museums in Kathmandu include the National Museum of Nepal, the Taragaon Museum, and the Patan Museum.
4. How much is the entry fee for the National Museum of Nepal?
The entry fee for the National Museum of Nepal is usually around NPR 100 for Nepalese citizens and NPR 250 for foreign visitors. Please verify the current prices before visiting.
5. What are the highlights of the Basantapur Museum?
The Basantapur Museum, located in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex, showcases artifacts related to Nepalese history and culture, including royal artifacts, weapons, and traditional art.
6. Which city hosts the National Museum of Nepal?
The National Museum of Nepal is hosted in Kathmandu.
7. What kind of exhibits can I find at the Taragaon Museum?
The Taragaon Museum features exhibits on contemporary art, architecture, and the cultural heritage of Nepal, including traditional crafts and modern art displays.
8. What does ‘museum’ mean in Nepali?
In Nepali, ‘museum’ is translated as “संग्रहालय” (Sangrahalaya).
9. What is the ticket cost for the Chhauni Museum?
The ticket cost for the Chhauni Museum, part of the National Museum of Nepal, is typically around NPR 100 for locals and NPR 250 for foreigners. Prices can vary, so it’s good to check beforehand.
10. Are there notable museums to visit in Kathmandu?
Yes, notable museums in Kathmandu include the National Museum of Nepal, the Taragaon Museum, the Patan Museum, and the Aviation Museum.
