Museums in Nepal
Nepal is a culturally rich country and it has several museums to document the fact. Although Nepal’s mountains and gorges may be more enchanting to a tourist, its museums are equally thought provoking. This article talks of some of major museums of Nepal.
The National Museum in Chhauni documents the earthquake of 1934 with an assortment of firearms. It also has beautiful collection of bronze castings and native ‘Paubha’ scroll paintings. It houses within itself, The National Numismatic Museum, home to Nepalese coins and artefacts dating back to second century BC.
The Hanuman Dhoka Complex at Durbar Square, Kathmandu houses two Museums – The Tribhuvan and The Mahendra. The Tribuhvan museum relates the story of King Tribuhvan who helped Nepal fight off the Ranas in 1951.The Mahendra Museum record the life and showcases some personal belongings of late King Mahendra.
The Dhankuta Museum has some artefacts and archaeological finds on display. The Mustang Eco Museum has relics like beads and medicines from 800 BC. The Elephant museum showcases 85 preserved elephant Howdahs of Rana prime ministers. The museum of Natural History, housed at the backside of Swayambhu Stupa has a large variety of animals including insects, butterflies, crocodiles and several others on exhibit. Also, don’t dare miss International Museum for its unconventional architecture and history of mountaineering.
The National Art Gallery, Bhakatpur has a rich collection of bronze and wood castings along with ‘Paubha’ scrolls. The National Birendra Art Gallery, Naxal displays paintings and art works by prominent Nepali artists. National Library in Pulchowk, Patan has some rare books from the 17th century along with 70,000 others on display. Asa Archives has palm-leaf books and handwritten books from as long as 1464 AD up for inspection of tourists. Kaiser Library, a private collection can be seen near Thamel. Visit The Tharu Cultural Museum to view the culture of indigenous Tharu tribe.
Apart from these, you may also visit Patan museum, Durbare square Kathmandu, The National Woodworking Museum, Bhakatpur, Bronze and Brass Museum, Bhakatpur and the Hattisar Museum, Makwanpur. The entry fee for most of the museums is a petty $1-2, with the prices going down for SAARC nationals. Visitors are usually charged extra for carrying still and video cameras. The museums remain closed on one or two days of the week (not necessarily Sundays) and on national holidays.