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Bangladesh National Museum

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Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)

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The Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka is the primary museum of the country and one of the largest in South Asia. Originally established in 1913 as the Dhaka Museum, it was reopened in 1983 in its current monumental building in the Shahbagh area. The extensive collection is spread across four floors and contains over 85,000 artifacts documenting the history, archaeology, art, nature, and ethnography of Bangladesh. Among the most significant exhibits are ancient sculptures from the Buddhist and Hindu periods, rare coins, manuscripts, and weaponry. A dedicated section covers the 1971 Liberation War and the 1952 Language Movement, reflecting the deep national identity of the people. The museum also serves as a hub for cultural activities, research, and education, featuring an extensive library and an auditorium. With its diverse representation of flora and fauna, alongside traditional handicrafts, it provides a comprehensive insight into the region's rich heritage. The National Museum is an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand the complex history and cultural diversity of Bangladesh.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C182227303029282828262319
Rain mm920501492923824373592831853818

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka is open to the public and comprises several buildings. The interior galleries with exhibits are accessible, and there is also a garden area.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on public holidays. Exact hours may vary seasonally, so checking ahead is advisable.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but without flash in the art galleries. Some special exhibitions may restrict photography.
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Time needed
Visiting the museum typically takes two to three hours to see all sections. Art and history enthusiasts should allow extra time.
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Combine with
Combine the museum visit with a stroll in nearby Ramna Park or a visit to the National Parliament House. Lalbagh Fort is also not far.
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Getting there
The museum is in the heart of Dhaka, near Shahbagh intersection. Reachable by rickshaw, taxi, or bus - the Shahbagh metro station is also within walking distance.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum on a weekday to avoid crowds. Take time for the ethnology section, which showcases unique artifacts from tribal regions.

Geography

Coordinates
23.73810, 90.39420

Facts

  • The museum was inaugurated in its current building on September 20, 1983.
  • It houses over 85,000 registered objects across various thematic galleries.
  • The archaeological gallery features sculptures dating from the 8th to 12th centuries.
  • The museum possesses one of the largest collections of ivory works in the world.
  • There is a significant department dedicated exclusively to the country's flora and fauna.
  • The museum's library contains more than 60,000 specialized books and documents.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Star MosqueStar Mosque<1 km · NExplore →
Bangabandhu Memorial MuseumBangabandhu Memorial Museum2 km · SExplore →
Bahadur Shah ParkBahadur Shah Park2 km · NExplore →
Gangkhar PuensumGangkhar Puensum3 km · WExplore →
Rose Garden PalaceRose Garden Palace4 km · NExplore →
National Botanical Garden of BangladeshNational Botanical Garden of Bangladesh5 km · SExplore →
Jigmeling Industrial ParkJigmeling Industrial Park8 km · NExplore →
Payra Sea PortPayra Sea Port11 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Bangladesh National Museum (13)

Bangladesh National Museum🏛 museum

Bangladesh's premier museum, housing an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, traditional art, and natural history specimens.

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Guru Duara Nanakshahi⛪ religious

This historic site is the primary Sikh gurdwara in the country, located on the University of Dhaka campus.

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Katabon Mosque Complex⛪ religious

A significant Islamic center and mosque complex in Dhaka, noted for its prominent multi-story structure and educational facilities.

🕒 24/7

Shahid Minar🏺 historical

A central national monument built to honor the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, symbolizing the cultural identity of the nation.

Shaheed Minar🏺 historical

An iconic architectural landmark in Dhaka, this abstract sculpture commemorates those who sacrificed their lives for the Bengali language.

Dhaka College Shahid Minar🏺 historical

Located within one of Dhaka's oldest educational institutions, this monument honors the students who participated in the historic Language Movement.

thiyyettaar bhbn🎭 culture

A modern theatre building on the university grounds that hosts regular Bengali stage performances.

Mall⛪ religious

A local place of worship in the university area, used by residents for daily devotions.

Monsur Bhaban🎭 culture

A multi-story commercial building in Shahbagh, housing a variety of small shops and offices.

Zahir AC Market🎭 culture

An air-conditioned market complex specializing in quality apparel and modern electronics.

Estern Mollika Market Mosque📍 landmark

A convenient place of prayer within the Eastern Mollika Market, open to traders and shoppers.

Dhanmondi Hawkers Market Masjid, Hawkers Market, Elephant Rd, Dhaka📍 landmark

A small, busy mosque located within the Hawkers Market, a key stop for local market-goers.

Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall Mosque, Zahir Raihan Rd, Dhaka📍 landmark

The mosque of Zahurul Haq Hall at Dhaka University, a spiritual hub for the resident students.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the National Museum located?
In Shahbag, Dhaka, near Dhaka University.
What are the highlights of the collection?
Buddhist sculptures, ancient coins, and liberation war documents.
How much time is needed for a visit?
You should plan for at least 3 to 4 hours to see everything.
Are there special entry prices for foreigners?
Yes, foreigners pay a slightly higher fee than locals.
Is photography allowed?
In most galleries, photography is not permitted.
Bangladesh National Museum: where is it located?
Bangladesh National Museum is located in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh National Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bangladesh National Museum, Guru Duara Nanakshahi, Katabon Mosque Complex.
Bangladesh National Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Bangladesh National Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka is the primary museum of the country and one of the largest in South Asia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
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More places in Bangladesh →

History & landmarks

Dhakeshwari National Temple — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Dhakeshwari National Temple
The most important Hindu temple in Bangladesh, which is believed to be the origin of Dhaka's name.
Bangabandhu Memorial Museum — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
The former residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, now a museum.
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
The national mosque of Bangladesh in Dhaka, whose architecture resembles the Kaaba in Mecca.
National Parliament House — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
National Parliament House
An architectural masterpiece in Dhaka, designed by the renowned architect Louis Kahn.

Nature

Meghna River — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Meghna River
One of the most important rivers in Bangladesh, forming the massive Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta.
Padma River — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Padma River
The main distributary of the Ganges in Bangladesh, known for its shifting banks.

More places

Shishu Park — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Shishu Park
A popular public amusement park in Dhaka, primarily designed for children's entertainment and recreation.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park
A vast safari park offering visitors a chance to see various wildlife species in a naturalistic habitat.
Bhawal National Park — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Bhawal National Park
A major protected area north of Dhaka, dominated by Sal tree forests.
Novo Theatre — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Novo Theatre
A state-of-the-art planetarium in Dhaka offering programs on astronomy and science.
Bangabandhu Military Museum — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Bangabandhu Military Museum
A large museum in Dhaka showcasing the history and equipment of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
Hatirjheel — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Hatirjheel
A modern lakefront area in Dhaka serving as a popular recreational space and major transportation project.
Bahadur Shah Park — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
Bahadur Shah Park
A historic park in Old Dhaka, today a quiet retreat for walkers and families.
National Botanical Garden of Bangladesh — Bangladesh National Museum (Bangladesh)
National Botanical Garden of Bangladesh
The largest botanical garden in the country in Dhaka, featuring a huge collection of native and exotic plants.