Museum in Nepal

Museums - Discover Nepal's Historical Heritage

Nepal is a very interesting country with a long of history. As the center of the Buddhist faith and the home of Mount Everest, this country has become a sort of pilgrimage point for many people around the world. But just what exactly is the history of Nepal? What is the origin of the many interesting family groups that can be found in this beautiful country? What sort of culture have they enjoyed over the centuries and what sort of handicrafts have they employed in their day-to-day lives? These are the sorts of questions that you can expect to find answers to at the many excellent museums in Nepal.

There quite a large number of Nepali museums so you might find yourself struggling to decide which ones you want to visit and which ones you’d rather give a miss. The National Museum of Nepal is definitely not one to be missed. In fact, this is probably one of the best places to start since this government-sponsored museum will give you the most information about the history and culture of Nepal. The Natural History Museum, on the other hand, will give you a decidedly different look at the progress of the people of Nepal. The National Woodworking Museum and the Bronze and Brass Museum are focused mainly on the development and adaptation of these forms of crafts over the years. Both are very interesting to see since both skills have been lavishly employed in many of the temples and palaces in Nepal over the years.

The Hanumandhoka Palace Complex is a great place to go if you would like greater insight into the lives of the rich and famous in Nepal. This magnificent series of buildings have a strong cultural heritage and strong sense of tradition that can be explored as you make your way through the buildings. Also worth considering are the Patan Museum, the Tribhuvan Museum, the Pajarimath Museum and the Kapilvastu Museum. Each has its own individual approach to a particular subject matter and this keeps museum visits entertaining. Of course there are quite a few more great museums which are not even mentioned here, so take a look at the ones we feature to get a better idea of what each museum offers.

1) Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex

Upon entering the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex you will be greeted by a statue of Hanuman which was erected in 1672. He acts as the guardian of the palace and visitors assist in keeping his face painted red. Lord Narasimha can also be seen near the entrance and is a fascinating sight. The statue, which depicts Narasimha as half lion and half man, is defeating Hiranyakasipu, a known demon. It makes you wonder, “what is waiting up ahead?”

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, or Durbar Square, was once home to the kings of Nepal. The last Royal Family left the complex in the year 1886. The Royal Families would, in the future, be housed in the Narayan Hitti Palace. But the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex continued to play a significant role in ceremonies and especially in coronations. Here, in the Durbar Square, visitors will be able to visit a variety of temples and three different museums.

Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a place where culture, heritage and history come together. The temples that are located in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex include the legendary Taleju Temple, which was constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries. In ancient times it was the throne of all the Malla Kings of Kathmandu. Of course the Hanuman Dhoka Palace can also be viewed, and one of the main attractions continues to be the Temple of Kumari. It is a breathtaking building, complete with balconies and beautifully carved windows. Visitors will be able to photograph theLiving Goddess-Kumari as she waves at passersby from her window.

Museum enthusiasts will be astonished at the wonderful exhibits that await behind the doors of the Tribhuvian Museum and the Numismatic Museum, both of which are situated in the Hanumandhoka Palace Complex. The Sundari Chowk and Mohan Chowk make up the most historical wings of the palace building; unfortunately this section is not open to the public. Visitors are therefore advised to visit the eastern wing, which was also constructed during the 16th century, and boasts no less than ten courtyards.

The temples, museums, courtyards and historical statues are the attractions to the Hanumandhoka Palace Complex, but it is the architectural wonders, historical importance and fascination with the past that keeps visitors enthralled for hours. It is a combination of royalty, nobility, religion and belief. This is where the past greets the present and instills in all the importance of history, tradition and culture.

2) Mahendra Museum - Legacy of a King

Together with the Tribhuvan Museum and the Birendra Museum, the Mahendra Museumis located in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Here visitors will be able to marvel at the breathtaking architecture and explore the lives of three of Nepal’s Kings. Even though King Mahendra’s father, King Tribhuvan, is remembered for his valiant fight for democracy, Mahendra would leave behind a legacy far different then that of his predecessor.

King Mahendra was born on 11 June 1920, son of the respected and loved, King Tribhuvan. The King believed in democracy, in giving each citizen a voice and bringing an end to the rule of the ruthless Rana family. Fighting for these beliefs put the life of the King and his family in grave danger. But after having to flee his home, international and local pressure finally brought the Rana dynasty to its knees. King Tribhuvan returned to the thrown and successfully helped Nepal through the change in parliament and democratic freedom. In 1955, King Tribhuvan passed away and King Mahendra rose to power. Instead of continuing the legacy his father had left behind, the new King went about destroying the democratic parliament. By the year 1960, all opposing political parties were banned in Nepal. King Mahendra’s rule came to an end with his death, on 31 January 1972. He is a King that evokes mixed emotions, yet his poetry and literary genius is remembered with fondness and admiration.

The Museum of King Mahendra exhibits recreations of his office chamber and the cabinet room, where he made his decisions and ruled the country. Amongst his personal items and belongings that are on display, visitors will be able to view his beautiful collection of coins and his stamp collection. His poetry and manuscripts can also be seen, together with handwritten notes and the medals he received during his reign. Other items include fascinating decorations and a variety of gifts that were given to him.

This dedicational museum of King Mahendra, highlights the contrast in personality of the King. His creative and poetic side, opposed to the aggressive King that ruled Nepal. The Mahendra Museum takes visitors on a journey through the life of King Mahendra, a descended of a long line of rulers, and predecessor of those to come.

3) National Museum Of Nepal

The National Museum of Nepalstarted as a museum for weapons and ammunition in the year 1928. Its original name was “Chhauni Silkhana” which, when directly translated, means: “The Stone House of Arms and Ammunitions.” Fortunately the potential and importance of the museum was noted and the museum, which was once only open to guests, became available to the public. In 1967 the museum was renamed to the National Museum of Nepal (Rashtriya Sangrahalaya).

Being located in Kathmandu, it has become a popular attraction to locals wanting to relive their history, and to visitors who are interested in Nepals’ past. Nepal’s National Museum is divided into three main historical collections, each of which are housed in a separate building. One of the collections concentrates on historical, religious art which has been exquisitely preserved and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Here breathtaking paintings, that date to the 18th and 19th century, adorn the walls. These are complimented by beautiful wood carvings from the same time period. Guests to Nepal’s National Museum will be astonished at the skill and detail used by craftsmen to complete their metal work. Sculptures from the 13th century and lovely terra-cottas demand the admiration of all that look upon them.

In the year 1995 the Japanese Government donated funds to the National Museum of Nepal to host an exhibit that consists of Buddhist Religious Art. This exhibit educates the public about the Buddhist religion through amazing pieces of art, and assists in the research of Buddhism and the preservation of its associated artifacts.

But it is definitely the arms and ammunitions exhibit that draws the most attention. Here visitors are able to get a unique insight into the weaponry of Nepal through the ages. The greatest attraction in this division is the leather cannon. It originates from the historical Tibetan war period which took place in 1792. Many of the firearms that are in the collection were made by local Nepalis, and this adds a touch of nostalgia to the exhibit.

The National Museum of Nepal has a wide variety of items and artifacts. In addition to those already mentioned, visitors can look forward to the doll collection, second century BC coins, stuffed animals and relics from the devastating 1934 earthquake. It is easy to understand why this museum has become so important to Nepal - it holds the country’s entire history under one roof.

4) Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum of Nepal is located near the Swayambhunath Hill and has a stable partnership with the Institute of Science and Technology. Together, they coordinate projects and programs to aid in the research and preservation of rare and threatened fauna and flora species. Since the opening of theNatural History Museum, the institute’s popularity has increased over the years solidifying its importance amongst the museums of Nepal.

Many scientists around the world have a great fascination with the fauna and flora of Nepal. Because Nepal has an extremely varied landscape with high altitudes and diverse vegetation, it can be hard to believe that Nepal would have many flowering plants. If that is what you think, you would be wrong. The small country of Nepal has approximately half the amount of flowering plants that would be found in other countries - such as the United States of America. This alone makes Nepal extremely interesting to botanists. This amazing diversity can be seen in the exhibition hall of the Natural History Museum which boasts with more than 9 000 plant specimens, both non-flowering and flowering.

Nature does not only consist of plants, trees and flowers, but animals, insects and other earthly creatures. The Natural History Museum of Nepal therefore offers visitors a spectacular collection of approximately 40 000 invertebrates and vertebrates. Interesting fossils, prehistoric shells, butterfly collections, snakes and a 100 skeletal remains are also on display. For those who are interested in seeing skeletons that have not lost their outer layers, the Nepal Natural History Museum has many stuffed crocodiles, birds and various animals in their exhibits.

For students, researchers, scholars and botanists, the Nepal Natural History Museum is the answer to all their questions. The museum is able to educate the public, and others who are interested, in the life cycles of birds, animals and plants that are able to survive at high altitudes. The Institute of Science and Technology and the Natural History Museum work together to record the plants and creatures found naturally in Nepal. They also research better ways to conserve and protect this unique natural landscape. Nepal is a land of wonder because of its fauna and flora, and the Natural History Museum hopes to educate people to respect and protect their beautiful natural surroundings.

5) The Tribhuvan Museum

King Tribhuvan was a highly respected and loved member of the Nepali community. He fought for democracy and equality - efforts for which he is fondly remembered. The Tribhuvan Museum pays tribute to this amazing leader and many Nepalese come here to pay homage to the memory of this noble king and to educate newer generations about his valiant and brave life.

The King of Nepal, King Tribhuvan, was born in Kathmandu on 30 June 1906. His mother was the regent, as he became king at the tender age of 5. Tribhuvan was officially crowned in the year 1913, but the Royal Family did not rule Nepal. The Rana family was in control of the country and they often made decisions that had a negative impact of the country. It is known that during World War I, the Rana prime minister literally held a gun to the head of King Tribhuvan’s mother in an effort to force him into supporting their war efforts. Blackmail was the only method the Rana’s could use to have the King agree to their requests.

Fortunately the public became increasingly unhappy with the Rana’s rule and they supported the return of the country’s power to the monarch. By the 1930’s the King was of age to rule Nepal. It was only due to the outbreak of World War II that the Rana’s spared the king's life. They did this on the request of the British who wanted Nepal backing them in the war. But after the war ended and Britain moved out of India, the King and his family fled to India to escape the wrath of the disposed Rana family. Through pressure from the public and from international countries, the Rana’s were forced to admit defeat and conform to the kings’ dream of democracy. King Tribhuvan took charge of the country’s transition until his untimely death due to illness in 1955.

The Tribhuvan Memorial Museum is situated in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which is located in the Durbar Square. It showcases the entire history of the King’s life, his victories, his losses and the realization of his dreams. An extremely rare collection of personal items and photographs of the King and the entire Royal Family are on display in the Tribhuvan Memorial Museum. Newspaper clippings telling the story of his final victory over the Ranas and the spectacular paintings of King Tribhuvan and the kings that followed are all exhibited here. The Tribhuvan Museum is a worthy tribute to this great man, a King who won back his throne and freed the people of Nepal.

6) The Bronze and Brass Museum in Nepal

Standing opposite the National Woodworking Museum of Nepal, which lies within the Pujari Math in Tachapal Tole in Bhaktapur, lies the beautiful Bronze and Brass Museum. This fine Nepali museum is housed within an ancient building, dating back to the 15th century.

When you stroll past the vast collection of domestic and ceremonial metal ware at the Bronze and Brass Museum of Nepal, having already just been surprised by the many beautiful mysteries in the National woodworking Museum, you may tend to feel you’re in a distinctly different era. On exhibition there are many everyday items belonging to ordinary people in Nepal which have been restored to mint condition. Items that can be seen on display at the Bronze and Brass Museum are the Kalash or ritual jars, spittoons, ordinary lamps and those used specifically for rituals, water pots, medieval utensils, giant containers and hookahs, or as its commonly known in the western world ‘a hubbly bubbly’.

The elaborate metal ink-pot has a significant history and speaks of kings in general who took a keen interest in learning and writing and this can be found in many artifacts. One such king, though, is said to have learned over seventeen languages to which he wrote many verses or so legend tells. Not much is far from what we see around us today and makes you realize that with time all we have done is refine what has been in existence for centuries.

The Bronze and Brass Museum of Bhaktapur is open on most days from about 10:15 am to around about 4:45 pm, however, it is closed on a Tuesday and on public holidays, where the time is used for cleaning, maintenance and any repair work that may be required. The entrance fee is Rs. 5 with a charge of Rs. 10 for any cameras brought in. Indeed, if you enjoy looking at exquisite works of art and practical items from the past, then the Bronze and Brass Museum of Nepal is the ideal attraction for you. Combine this with a tour of the nearby Woodworking Museum and you will have a day filled with discovery.

 

7) Much to Discover in the National Woodworking Museum

The ancient Pujari Math building was built during the 15th century by the Malla King known as ‘Yaksha Malla’ and it is only till recently that this intricate building was restored to its former glory. Nonetheless, like in most cases, the building is said to have been the home of a Hindu priest. This ancient structure, however, houses one of the most well known National Woodworking Museums. It is here that you will find within these walls the beautiful Newar woodcarvings which include the famous Peacock window. The Nepali Museum is located just across from the Tachapal Tole, or as it’s commonly known in English ‘Dattatreya Square’, in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Interestingly, there is an astounding amount of mural paintings that adorn the walls - each of a different deity, such as Dattatreya, Shiva-Parbati and Bishnu. What makes the National Woodworking Museum of Nepal of such great interest to those visiting from afar or locally is its amazing collection of valuable wood carvings. This of course does not stop inside but extends to the exterior of this historic building where you can see an amazing array of architectural detail. A good example of the interior wood work's finer points is that of a small room located within the museum. Here you will notice 11 roof struts that were formerly from an ancient 15th century temple. If you take a closer look, you will notice the way it has been carved and the detail given to the linking of one strut to the other.

As you walk through the building, characterized by ‘quiet seriousness’, you hardly expect to find anything out of the ordinary, however, should you come across a ladder along your travels within the National Woodworking Museum take a peek up into the attic and you’ll be surprised to find a mass of cartoon-like figures depicting Lord Jagannath and one of his many siblings. In a glass case you will find a graceful effigy of a dancing Nartaki Devi wearing a quizzical look upon her face. Just a little way away you will notice another case, this time you will find a three foot tall highly wrought carving of Buddha being tempted by the ever deceiving Mara.

The museum is open on most days from 10:15 am to around about 4:45 pm, however, on a Friday it will close at 2:45pm. On a Tuesday and ton any public holidays throughout the year the museum comes to a close for maintenance and a general check-up. The cost to enter is not badly priced at Rs. 5 though there is an extra cost of Rs. 10 should you wish to bring in your camera. As always good research into the country your visiting, customs and places of interest will help not to spring any surprises especially if you have to watch your holiday budget.

8)  Pujarimath Museum

The Pujarimath Museum or 'Pujari Math', as it is more commonly called, was built by Yaksha Malla, a King in the fifteenth century. Yaksha Malla establish many temples and palaces during his lifetime, including the fortress palace of Bhaktapur.

The restored building is a beauty in itself with exquisitely carved lattices and Peacock windows made out of wood. This is just one aspect of the building, but you could stand there for hours looking at the different features and structures that make up this beautiful building. The Pujarimath Museum is a fine example of what the Newar artisans, in Kathmandu, were capable of building and designing out of wood. The Newar can truly be considered master wood workers.

The Newar are an indigenous Nepalese group that is made up of people who all speak Nepal Bhasa. Their language is the only unifying factor of the Newar apart from that the group is made up of varying races, religions, ethnicity and so on. The Nepal Bhasa language contains Austro-Asiatic phrases and words and is of Tibeto-Burman origin. The Newar are one of the biggest ethnic groups in Nepal and over eight hundred thousand Nepalese speak the Newari languages.

The Kathmandu Valley, where the Pujarimath Museum is situated, is an exhibition of Buddhist and Hindu shrines, temples and artwork all within itself. You don't need to walk far before you come across one of these sites - it really is amazing to experience. The Nepalese are a nation known for their vibrant culture made up of many traditions and festivals. If you are visiting Nepal during one of their many festivals then you must definitely make an opportunity to go watch, even if it's not possible to get involved.

Patan is another area that you must go visit, which neighbors Kathmandu. Patan is well known for its wooden and bronze carvings and also has a lot of sights to go visit. Bhaktapur or Bhadgoan are on the other side of the Kathmandu valley and are wonderful examples of how the local Nepalese people live. Kathmandu and Patan have gone through a lot of changes over the years but Bhaktapur was left to continue as it always has.

9) Patan Museum's Intriguing Collection

The Patan Museum can be found located within the beautiful Patan Durbar Square at Keshav Narayan Chowk's residential palace. To get to the museum you first have to enter the Royal Palace grounds, which is where you will find the richly decorated palace complex of Keshav Narayan Chowk. These palaces, situated in the Kathmandu Valley, have for centuries been home to the Malla kings who have always inhabited this region for centuries. The royal grounds have housed the semi-gilded Patan Museum ever since it was first formed in 1734.

Some of the exhibits displayed at the museum are extremely old and go back to the Lichhavi era, which dates back to the eleventh century. The Patan Museum's main collection consists of sacred art pieces and sculptures that have been completed by traditional Nepalese artists. The Museum has over 1,500 objects in its national sacred art collection - a prized possession - but visitors will only have the chance to view two hundred out of all of them. The two hundred that are on permanent display have been carefully chosen so that visitors are given the best examples of artwork that represents the sacred art collection.

This collection is really stunning and is mainly made up of bronze and copper casts. The copper casts displayed at the museum are formed using a process called repousse. 'Repousse' is when the artist uses a hammer to raise the copper metal to form decorations from within. These metal pieces represent both Buddhist and Hindu cultural history using iconology. Iconology is a traditional art form where figures of people are produced not just for their outer beauty but also for what cannot be seen. The sculpture has an enormous amount of symbolic meaning, which tells the person viewing it so much more than what they can just see.

The Patan Museum went through a needed restoration process supported by His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The building had experienced many bad alterations and due to the lack of care and maintenance over the years it was deemed necessary. Some parts of the building were redone and reconstructed to their original form, while other sections of the museum were completely redone. The facilities inside the building were also upgraded and it was finally opened again in 1997. The Patan Museum is definitely worth a visit.

10) Kapilvastu Museum in Lumbini

There is an array of magnificent museums situated all over the beautiful country of Nepal, each with their own beauty and distinction. In the case of theKapilvastu Museum diversity also belongs within the Nepali museum, with its abundance of past history reserved in its mass collection of artifacts.

The Museum is located approximately 26km away from the little town of Lumbini in Tilaruakot, Nepal. It is at Kapilvastu Museum that you will also find the archaeological ruins of the once gracious Tilaurakot Palace complex, renowned because of its direct association to the original birthplace and home of ‘Lord Buddha’. Interestingly as Buddha was growing many knew him as the Shakya dynasty prince until he renounced his identity just 29 years after his birth so as to search out enlightenment. However, it must be noted that no clear evidence has ever been unearthed to confirm these details.

The legend carries on and speaks of the garden of ‘Lumbini’ and is mentioned in different parts of the early scriptures with titles like: Lumbini Canana, Lumbini Upavana, Lumbini Vatica and Lumbini Cittalavana and is situated along the banks of the river Telar on the extreme edge of the magnificent Sakya Kingdom of Kapilvastu.

The legend goes on to speak of the queen of the Sakya King Sudhodhana of Kapilvastu, Maya Devi, who whilst heavily pregnant began to slowly make her journey to her maternal home in Devadaha. It was along this way that she happened to come across the little town of Lumbini. It was dark with a full moon, the month was called Vaisakha, about 623 years before the birth of Christ. It was on this particular occasion that she took to dipping her heavily pregnant body into the Sakya Puskarini, thereafter she proceeded to make her way north. Then suddenly the Queen went into labor forcing her to grab hold of a branch on the Sala tree thus Queen Maya Devi finally gave birth to ‘Lord Buddha’.

Museums have always fascinated people, because for a short period of time you’re whisked away to a new world filled with legends past down from one family to another, daily hardships and past joys. In some cases you will find evidence dating from the seventh century B.C. all the way to the fourth century AD. Its then that it begins to dawn on you that although times have changed, people were still like you and me, the difference is they lived thousands of years ago. All of this can be found here in the Kapilvastu Museum. Amongst all the Nepali museum's artifacts you will find intriguing collections of coins, toys, ornaments and pottery, each with a tale to tell. The most special of all the collections is the matchless assortment of jewelry pieces, most in pristine condition.

The Kapilvastu Museum is open every day except on a Thursday and any government holidays throughout the year.