Nepal- a land of many wonders- is often called and open-air natural and cultural museum. Crowned by the world’s highest mountains, Nepal’s landscape fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems along with ethnic and cultural traditions. Nepal is also the land of two major religions in the world, Hinduism and Buddhism. The distinct influences of these two religions can be seen in the myriad architectural and artistic wonders of the Kathmandu Valley and the entire nation.

One will, no doubt, tumble upon these creations of artistic excellence while strolling down the many lanes of the valley. But to get an insight into the rich splendid past imbedded with various colorful episodes of this tiney Himalayan Country, an indoor museum with select exhibits and explanatory text is a much better option. Nepal has only a few museums, but they include some of the most ancient artifacts to be found anywhere.

A visit to these museums will prepare you for antiques shopping. For someone with a discerning eye, they will even open up a window through which Nepal can be perceived as it was centuries back, a country with a vibrant culture and prosperous civilization where great artists and artisans of exceptional genius thrived and created.

Lists of important museums are presented below which should serve as a preliminary guide to visitors:

The National Museum, considered to be the most important museum of Nepal, is located in the western end of Kathmandu and a few minutes’ walk from the famous Swayambhu stupa. The museum has a large collection of weapons, art and antiquities of historic and cultural importance. Initially built as a collection house for war trophies and weapons, the museum has an extraordinary cache of 18^th and 19^th century weapons, locally-made firearms captured form the various wars, leather cannons and relics of natural calamities like the Great Earthquake of 1934. In addition, the museum is a unique treasure house of medieval and modern works in wood, metal, bronze and stone. The painting section has some beautiful old thankas  and sequences of meditation paitings.

The Natural History Museum, situated on the southern slope of Swayambhu hill, is window to the natural wealth of Nepal. The museum has a sizeable collection of different species of animals, butterflies and plants. The special features of this museum is a serial display of diverse life species from prehistoric shells to stuffed animals, birds, crocodiles and many other interesting exhibits. Amid the stuffed cats, goats and guinea pigs are some exotic creatures of Nepal- the danphe pheasant, the gharial crocodile, the Himalayan black bear and the barking deer.

Hanuman Dhoka of Kathmandu Durbar Square is a grand medieval palace of architectural importance and also houses three museums. One single entry ticket entitles you to visit all the three. The Tribhuvan Memorial Museums, located inside the palace complex, displays all the events, personal belongings and mementos of the late King Tribhuvan (1906-1955) who re-established the Shah dynasty’s leadership in 1951. the Mahendra Museum, another attraction in Hanuman Dhoka exihibits the cabinet room, office chamber and the personal belongings including literary creations of the lake King Mahendra (1955-1972). The Birendra Museum, also housed inside the palace complex, displays the personal possessions including royal attires that he had donned during various state and historic occasions. Also on displays are gifts, medals, honorary titles receive by him from heads of state as well as other interesting memorabilia.

Patan Museum is housed in the residential palace comound of the Keshev Narayan Chowk inside the Royal Palace complex at Patan Durabar Square. The earliest exhibits date back to the 11^th century or even earlier Lichhavi period. Some 200 objects out of the more than 1,500 in the national sacred art collection have been carefully selected for permanent display here. They are mostly cast bronzes and gilt copper repousse work that cover both the Hindu and Buddhist iconology and represent long span of the Nepal’s cultural history.

The National Woodworking Museum, situated in the 15^th century restored building known as Pujarimath in Bhaktapur, contains exhibits that are excellent examples of master wood workmanship of the Newar artisans of the Kathmandu Valley. The building itself is adorned with exquisitely carved wooden windows, including the famous Peacock and other latticed windows and is a classic testimony of the exclusive wood craftsmanship of medieval Nepal.

The Bronze and Brass Museum, located opposite the National Woodworking Museum, contains typical Newar bronze and brass utensils, rituals, pots, lamp stands and jars used since medieval times.

Kapilvastu Museum, located in Tilaurakot (near archeological ruins of the Tilaurakot palace complex), is about 26 km from Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha. The Museum has an interesting collection of coins, pot, tery, toys, and other artifacts dating from 7^th century AD. The Museum also displays some unique jewelry pieces dating from the same period.

A visit to these museums is sure to be a rewarding experience as so much the country can be learnt in such a short period. Besides, you might just rediscover your passion for the arts.

Comments (0)

Write comment

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

Add Comment