The National Museum continues to preserve all the monuments of Bangladesh’s growth over the ages. In 1913 in a room of Dhaka Medical College, this National Museum started its journey under the name of Dhaka Museum. The then Governor of Bengal Lord Carr Michael inaugurated the Dhaka Museum. In 1983, Dhaka Museum was renamed Bangladesh National Museum. Currently, the Bangladesh National Museum is being managed under the Ministry of Culture, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh National Museum is located on the south side of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in the Shahbagh area of Dhaka. There are more than 83,000 artifacts in 46 galleries of this four-story building of about 20,000 square meters. It is the largest museum in South Asian countries.
The National Museum plays a special role in getting acquainted with every phase of the history, tradition, culture and civilization of Bangladesh. Especially the new generation should visit the National Museum to know the history and traditions of our country. Bangladesh Museum can be a suitable place for educational tour to gain knowledge about Bangladesh. The main museum building can be seen through the entrance arch. The entrance door to the main building is flanked by two ornate cannons. And inside the building are beautiful Novera sculptures. The ground floor of the main building has a few eateries, a souvenir shop and a luggage storage area. Up the stairs you will find gallery guides on each floor. Through the guide, you can know where and what is in this museum.
The first floor of the museum is decorated with everything from Bangladesh. The entire Bangladesh has been highlighted. Starting with the map of Bangladesh, on this floor you will also see Bangladesh’s plants, animals, Sundarbans, lifestyles of tribes, mineral rocks, sculptures, coins and various sculptures of ancient times. On the second floor of the building, you will see the evolution of the civilization and history of Bangladesh. This floor is decorated with weapons of different periods, musical instruments, porcelain handicrafts, cottage crafts, manuscripts, contemporary art and various traditions of Bangladesh. On the third floor of the building there are portraits of famous people of the world, paintings and various signs of world civilization.
Visiting schedule
The National Museum is closed only on Thursdays of every week and public holidays. Besides, the museum is open on the remaining six days of the week. However, the schedule of visits varies slightly depending on the day and month. Besides, the museum is open for visitors on special days like Victory Day, Independence Day, February 1st, Pahela Baishakh.
From April to September i.e. during summer, the National Museum is open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm and on Fridays from 3 pm to 8 pm.
The National Museum is open from October to March i.e. in winter from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and on Fridays from 3 pm to 8 pm.
The museum is closed on Thursdays and Fridays during Ramadan and is open from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Entrance ticket price
You have to buy a ticket to enter the museum. There is a ticket counter next to the main gate. Ticket price for entry of children from 3 to 12 years is Tk 10. Ticket price for all visitors above 12 years is Tk.20. The entry fee for foreign visitors has been fixed at Tk 100, but only visitors from SAARC countries can enter the National Museum by buying a ticket at Tk 20. Besides, children and students are given free access on various national days. Guides are available for foreign visitors.
How to go
The location of the National Museum is next to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in Shahbagh. You can reach here by CNG, private car or any bus plying on Shahbagh route.