National Museum of Bhutan in Bhutan

About the Museum

The National Museum of Bhutan, also known as Ta-dzong, is a cultural museum located in the Paro valley of Bhutan. It was established in 1968 and is housed in a historic watchtower that dates back to the 17th century.

The museum showcases Bhutanese art, artifacts, and history, including traditional clothing, weaponry, musical instruments, and religious objects. It also features exhibitions on Bhutan's flora and fauna, as well as its unique architecture and traditional way of life.

Exhibitions

The National Museum of Bhutan has several permanent and temporary exhibitions that offer visitors a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

• The Gallery of Bhutanese Art: This exhibition features a collection of traditional Bhutanese art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
• The Gallery of Bhutanese History: This exhibition showcases the history of Bhutan from ancient times to the present day, including its political, social, and cultural developments.
• The Gallery of Textiles: This exhibition displays a variety of Bhutanese textiles, including traditional clothing, rugs, and tapestries.
• The Gallery of Natural History: This exhibition highlights Bhutan's rich biodiversity, with displays of plants, animals, and ecosystems.
• The Gallery of Religious Art: This exhibition features a collection of religious objects and artifacts from Bhutan's Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

Visiting the Museum

The National Museum of Bhutan is open every day except on government holidays. The entrance fee is 200 Bhutanese Ngultrum for foreign visitors and 10 Bhutanese Ngultrum for Bhutanese citizens.

The museum is located in the Paro valley, approximately 55 kilometers from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The approximate latitude and longitude of the museum is 27.4272° N, 89.4164° E.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as the weather can be unpredictable. Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography is prohibited.

Guided tours are available for an additional fee, and can be arranged at the museum's reception desk. Audio guides are also available in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Japanese.