Discover a captivating journey through Bangladesh’s rich history, art, and culture showcased in its top museums. The Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka is a historical treasure trove, housing a diverse collection of archaeological artifacts and relics from different eras. The Liberation War Museum in the capital stands as a poignant testament to the nation’s struggle for independence. Beyond Dhaka, notable museums like Ahsan Manzil and Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum spotlight opulent lifestyles and traditional craftsmanship. In Rajshahi, the Varendra Research Museum unveils ancient archaeological treasures, while the Mainamati Museum in Comilla reveals the area’s Buddhist heritage.
These museums offer invaluable insights into Bangladesh’s past, preserving its rich cultural diversity. Whether it’s exploring the indigenous artistry at the Ethnological Museum in Chittagong or delving into the life of former President Ziaur Rahman at Shahid Zia Smriti Complex, each museum offers a unique glimpse into the nation’s remarkable history and vibrant present. Explore the top 10 museums in Bangladesh to immerse yourself in its diverse heritage and identity.
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Interesting facts about the Top 10 Museums in Bangladesh
01. Bangladesh National Museum was formed through the incorporation of Dhaka museum and it was made the national museum of Bangladesh on 17 November 1983.
02. Bangladesh National Museum. The Bangladesh National Museum is a 3-floor museum that showcases the art, architecture, ecology, culture and history.
03. The NMST serves as Bangladesh’s only science museum and organizes science education activities at a national level.
04. The conceptualisation and further development of 3D Art were jointly carried out by ‘Bangabandhu Military Museum‘ authority and ‘Third Eye Solutions Limited’, an organisation that promotes Bangladeshi art, culture, and heritage.
05. Varendra Museum (Bengali: বরেন্দ্র জাদুঘর) is a museum, research centre, and popular visitor attraction at the heart of Rajshahi and maintained by Rajshahi University in Bangladesh. It is considered the oldest museum in Bangladesh. It was the first museum to be established in East Bengal in 1910.
06. The Museum of Independence in Dhaka, Bangladesh depicts the struggle for independence of Bangladesh. It shows the history of the nation since Mughal tenure to independence in 1971.
07. It was established on 20 March 1913 as Dhaka Museum and formally opened on 7 August 1913. On 20 September 1983 the name “Dhaka Museum” was changed to “National Museum” through the Bangladesh Jatiya Jadughar Ordinance, 1983. The architect of the Bangladesh National Museum is Mostafa Kamal.
List of Top 10 Museums in Bangladesh
| S.NO | Companies | Founded |
| 01 | Bangladesh national museum | 20 March 1913 |
| 02 | Bangabandhu Military Museum | November 26, 1987 |
| 03 | Liberation war museum | March 22, 1996 |
| 04 | Bangladesh Air Force Museum | 17 June 1987 |
| 05 | Bangabandhu Memorial Museum | 14 August 1994 |
| 06 | Bangladesh Bank Currency Museum/ Taka Museum | 2009 |
| 07 | Ethnological Museum of Bangladesh | 1974 |
| 08 | National Museum of Science and Technology | April 26, 1965 |
| 09 | Hason Raja Museum | 30 June 2006 |
| 10 | Varendra Research Museum | November 10, 1910 |
Situated in the heart of Dhaka’s Shahbag area, the Bangladesh National Museum, overseen by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, is a prestigious institution offering a deep dive into the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The museum’s meticulously organized layout presents an engaging journey through various aspects of Bangladesh’s past. Divided into sections encompassing ethnography, art, history, natural history, and contemporary culture, visitors are treated to a chronological exploration of the country’s diverse heritage.
Equipped with a cutting-edge conservation laboratory, the museum takes significant strides in preserving and protecting invaluable artifacts and treasures. This dedication underlines its commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s cultural legacy. As one of the top 10 museums in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh National Museum serves as a beacon of cultural knowledge, preserving the nation’s history and art for present and future generations. Visitors are welcomed to delve into Bangladesh’s rich past and present while ensuring the preservation of its cultural legacy.
Saturday to Wednesday: 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Friday: 3.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
The Museum is closed on Thursdays and on government holidays.
The “Army Museum,” established in Dhaka, Bangladesh, holds a profound significance in the nation’s military history. Founded in March 1987 near the Mirpur Cantonment entrance, this museum officially opened on November 26, 1987, aiming to celebrate and safeguard the rich heritage and achievements of the armed forces. Notably, it relocated and was renamed the Bangladesh Military Museum in September 1997 to its new site on Bijoy Sarani. This transition was facilitated under the guidance of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, Bir Bikram, NDC, psc, and the museum found residence in a two-story building, continuing its role as a repository of the country’s military legacy.
In recognition of its enduring value, the Armed Forces Division took a pivotal step on January 11, 2020, establishing a Board of Officers. This board is dedicated to enhancing the museum’s features, with the Chief of General Staff serving as its chairman, alongside representatives from all three military services. This commitment ensures the museum remains an inspiring testament, conserving Bangladesh’s military history for future generations. As part of the top 10 museums in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Military Museum stands as a vital custodian of the nation’s military heritage.
Timetable: Morning Exhibition: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (excluding Wednesday and Friday)
Afternoon Exhibition: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding Wednesday)
The Museum will be closed on Wednesdays and national holidays.
The “Army Museum,” established in Dhaka, Bangladesh, holds a profound significance in the nation’s military history. Founded in March 1987 near the Mirpur Cantonment entrance, this museum officially opened on November 26, 1987, aiming to celebrate and safeguard the rich heritage and achievements of the armed forces. Notably, it relocated and was renamed the Bangladesh Military Museum in September 1997 to its new site on Bijoy Sarani. This transition was facilitated under the guidance of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, Bir Bikram, NDC, psc, and the museum found residence in a two-story building, continuing its role as a repository of the country’s military legacy.
In recognition of its enduring value, the Armed Forces Division took a pivotal step on January 11, 2020, establishing a Board of Officers. This board is dedicated to enhancing the museum’s features, with the Chief of General Staff serving as its chairman, alongside representatives from all three military services. This commitment ensures the museum remains an inspiring testament, conserving Bangladesh’s military history for future generations. As part of the top 10 museums in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Military Museum stands as a vital custodian of the nation’s military heritage.
Timetable: The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on all weekdays except Sunday.
It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the winter.
The Bangladesh Air Force Museum, an emblem of the nation’s aviation history, opened its gates to the public in October 2014. Situated in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area at Agargaon, the museum holds a significant location on the western side of the runway, adjacent to the Taltola gateway. Within its interior lies an enthralling collection of retired aircraft and equipment, notably those pivotal during the nation’s Liberation War, preserved meticulously. Set within a spacious open valley, lush greenery surrounds this museum, encircled by substantial walls.
Guests experience an impressive showcase of aircraft, helicopters, radar systems, and aviation equipment, providing an immersive journey through Bangladesh’s aviation legacy. The Bangladesh Air Force Museum stands as a tribute to the nation’s aerial accomplishments and serves as an educational resource, offering visitors an immersive exploration of Bangladesh’s rich aviation history. Positioned among the top 10 museums in Bangladesh, this museum acts as a remarkable beacon of the country’s aviation heritage.
Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On weekends, the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the exception of Sundays, which are closed.
Following the tragic assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and his family members on August 15, 1975, their mansion underwent military administration until June 10, 1981, marking a somber period in the nation’s history. On August 14, 1994, a profound transformation occurred, converting the residence into the “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum.” This reimagined purpose honored the cherished leader’s memory and legacy.
To manage and preserve the museum and the Tungipara residence, a board of trustees was established. Additionally, the Trust oversees the “Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Special Hospital and Nursing College,” emphasizing the enduring commitment to preserving the values and contributions of the Father of the Nation. As a tribute to Bangladesh’s beloved leader and ranked among the top 10 museums in Bangladesh, the museum stands as a lasting memorial to the esteemed leader’s legacy and the historic significance of his residence.
Timetable: The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday is a weekly holiday.
Taka Museum is a distinct establishment in Bangladesh dedicated to the captivating world of numismatics. Its primary focus revolves around showcasing and delving into the rich historical narrative held within the nation’s coins and banknotes, spanning various eras from ancient periods to the modern-day. Moreover, the museum offers a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of currencies from worldwide origins.
Located on the ground floor of the Bangladesh Bank Training Academy on Mirpur Road in Dhaka, Taka Museum stands as a testament to the country’s financial heritage. It serves as an invaluable resource for those fascinated by the evolution of currency and its diverse forms throughout history, both within Bangladesh and globally. Through its vast collections and displays, the museum tells the story of money and its influential role in shaping societies and economies over the years. Ranked among the top 10 museums in Bangladesh, Taka Museum is a remarkable repository of the nation’s monetary history and global currency heritage.
Timetable: 11:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. (Saturday through Wednesday).
The Chittagong Ethnological Museum in Agrabad stands as Bangladesh’s singular repository of ethnological marvels. Nestled in Chittagong, this unique institution is a sanctuary of knowledge dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of the nation’s tribal heritage. The museum’s extensive exhibits offer an enlightening journey into the lives, traditions, and history of Bangladesh’s diverse tribal communities.
Situated in the heart of Chittagong, the Ethnological Museum is a captivating treasure trove of Bangladeshi tribal culture. Visitors encounter a mesmerizing array of artifacts, art, and historical relics that shed light on the intricacies of these indigenous societies. The museum not only preserves the heritage of these tribes but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for their unique ways of life. The Chittagong Ethnological Museum, a gem in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape and one of the top 10 museums in the nation, stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to celebrating its rich and diverse heritage.
Timetable: The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on all weekdays except Sunday.
It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the winter.
The National Museum of Science and Technology (NMST) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has a rich history, having been established on April 26, 1965, during the time of the Pakistani government. It was initially designed to promote scientific knowledge and innovation. During the period of the Bangladesh Liberation War, the museum shifted to become part of the Ministry of Science and Technology, playing a significant role in the nation’s scientific development.
Following several relocations, NMST found its permanent home in 1981. As the sole science museum in Bangladesh and part of the country’s top 10 museums, NMST serves as a crucial hub for advancing scientific education on a national scale. Its exhibits and educational programs are a testament to Bangladesh’s commitment to nurturing a culture of scientific curiosity and innovation. With a storied history and a primary mission of promoting scientific literacy, the National Museum of Science and Technology stands as an enduring source of inspiration and education for generations of Bangladeshis.
Saturday to Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday: Weekly Holiday
09. Hason Raja Museum
The Hason Raja Museum, nestled in the vibrant Sylhet City Corporation in Bangladesh’s Sylhet Division, stands as an essential cultural landmark, celebrated as part of the top 10 museums in the country. Formerly the residence of Hason Raja’s predecessor, this esteemed museum showcases the cherished legacy of the Raja Family. It is situated at Zinda Bazar and is meticulously managed by the Educationist Dewan Talibur Raja Trust, honoring the grandson of the eminent Dewan Hason Raja.
With a profound dedication to preserving the Raja Family’s heritage, especially that of Dewan Hason Raja Chowdhury, a respected Zamindar and Mystic poet, the Hason Raja Museum illuminates the rich legacy of the Sylhet Division. Its mission extends to highlighting and honoring the folk literature, music, and mystic poets of the region. Through its engaging exhibits and educational initiatives, this museum serves as a guiding light, enlightening visitors about the profound cultural heritage of Sylhet, contributing to the country’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Timetable: The Museum is open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Fridays and national holidays (the exceptions are 21 February and 16 December).
10. Varendra Research Museum
The Varendra Museum, an integral part of Rajshahi University and one among the top 10 museums in Bangladesh, stands as a prestigious institution, revered as a museum, research center, and key attraction for tourists. Initially inaugurated in 1910, it was Bangladesh’s inaugural museum and the first of its kind in East Bengal. Renamed the Varendra Museum in 1919, it was inspired by the Varendra Anushandan Samiti, influential in its establishment.
Fueled by donations from the Rajahs of Rajshahi and Natore, notably Prince Sharat Kumar Ray, the museum’s collection is a treasure trove, revealing the profound history and culture of the region. The name “Varendra” hearkens back to the ancient Janapada region, corresponding to the northern expanse of present-day Bangladesh. Rich with historical and cultural significance, the Varendra Museum continues to enthrall and educate visitors, preserving the heritage of the region for generations to come.
Timetable: It is open for visitors five days a week, excluding Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
