National Museum of Bhutan, Paro

Opening Hours Daily

9.00am to 5.00pm
Last Admission: 4:00 pm

The National Museum is open throughout the week except on government and local holidays.

Admission Fees

Preserving Bhutan’s Cultures for Future Generations

Originally constructed in 1649 as a watchtower to safeguard Paro Dzong from potential invasions, the National Museum of Bhutan stands as a testament to the nation’s cultural resilience and heritage. In 1968, it was repurposed as the National Museum under the patronage of His Majesty the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, to house Bhutan’s most treasured artifacts.

A devastating earthquake caused significant damage to the museum in 2011, threatening both its collection and structure. Full restoration efforts were completed with the support of the Government of India, and the museum officially reopened to visitors on June 24, 2020.

Today, the museum serves as a vital custodian of Bhutan’s spiritual, artistic, and historical legacy. Its vast collection of over 3,000 items includes sacred relics, royal heirlooms, and cultural artifacts. The museum plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing Bhutan’s profound cultural narrative with visitors from around the world.