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Step into the National Museum and you're stepping into the heart of Bangladesh's cultural legacy.
Established in 1913, this magnificent institution stands as the country's largest and most comprehensive museum, housing over 86,000 artifacts that span millennia of human history.
Located in the vibrant Shahbagh area, just opposite Ramna Park and adjacent to Dhaka University, the museum attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to explore the rich tapestry of Bangladesh's heritage.
The museum's journey began over a century ago when it first opened its doors in the Dhaka Medical College building.
Back then, it was a modest collection aimed at preserving the region's archaeological treasures.
In 1983, the museum moved to its current purpose-built home in Shahbagh, a stunning four-story structure designed specifically to showcase the nation's cultural wealth.
This move marked a turning point, transforming it from a simple repository into a world-class institution dedicated to education, research, and cultural preservation.
Today, it stands as one of South Asia's premier museums, recognized for its extensive collections and scholarly contributions.
The museum spans four expansive floors with 46 meticulously curated galleries, each telling a unique story.
The ground floor welcomes you with natural history exhibits featuring Bangladesh's diverse flora and fauna.
As you ascend, you'll encounter the archaeology section with ancient terracotta artifacts and sculptures dating back thousands of years.
The second floor houses classical and decorative arts, including exquisite manuscripts and traditional folk art.
The third floor is dedicated to ethnography, showcasing the lifestyles of various indigenous communities, while also hosting the deeply moving Liberation War gallery that commemorates Bangladesh's struggle for independence in 1971.
For a more comprehensive exploration of the liberation struggle, visitors should also plan a visit to the dedicated Liberation War Museum.
Contemporary art occupies the upper floors, displaying works by renowned Bangladeshi artists.
What makes this museum truly special is the diversity of its collections.
Ancient Buddhist and Hindu sculptures stand alongside delicate terracotta plaques from archaeological sites like Paharpur and Mainamati.
The numismatics collection features rare coins spanning different dynasties.
You'll find beautifully illuminated manuscripts, traditional textiles, and folk art that reflect the creativity of rural artisans.
The natural history section displays wildlife specimens that showcase Bangladesh's biodiversity.
Contemporary galleries feature paintings and sculptures by masters like Zainul Abedin and S.M.
Sultan.
Every artifact here serves as a window into different chapters of this land's story, making the National Museum an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand Bangladesh's multifaceted identity and enduring spirit.
Adults: BDT 20 | Students (with valid ID): BDT 5 | Children (under 12): BDT 10 | Foreign nationals: BDT 200 | Photography fee: BDT 100 (DSLR cameras)
Friday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Saturday to Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Closed: Every Thursday and government holidays | Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the main galleries comfortably.
Art enthusiasts or those interested in specific periods should allocate 3-4 hours.
The museum is least crowded on weekday mornings (Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM) when you can explore galleries at your own pace.
Avoid Friday afternoons and weekends when families and school groups visit in large numbers.
The cooler months from November to February offer the most comfortable weather for walking around Shahbagh area before or after your museum visit.
During summer (April-June), arrive early to beat the heat.
Check the museum's website or Facebook page for special exhibitions and cultural events that might interest you.
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to properly explore the main collections.
If you're particularly interested in the Liberation War gallery or specific periods like the Pala dynasty, allocate extra time.
Photography enthusiasts should visit on weekdays for better lighting and fewer crowds.
The museum occasionally hosts evening events and lectures, which are announced on their social media channels.
The National Museum is located in Shahbagh, one of Dhaka's most accessible areas.
From Motijheel or Gulistan, take any bus heading towards Shahbagh or Farmgate and get off at Shahbagh intersection.
The museum is clearly visible opposite Ramna Park.
From Uttara or airport area, take buses to Farmgate and then a rickshaw or CNG to Shahbagh (approximately 10 minutes).
From Mirpur, take buses to Farmgate and connect to Shahbagh.
If you're near Dhaka University, it's just a 5-minute walk from the TSC area.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are readily available throughout Dhaka and can drop you directly at the museum entrance.
The museum has designated parking for private cars and tourist buses.
Nearby landmarks include Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), Ramna Park, and Shahbagh intersection, making it easy to locate.
The museum features 46 specialized galleries spread across four floors, each dedicated to different aspects of Bangladesh's heritage.
These climate-controlled spaces are organized thematically, covering archaeology, classical art, ethnography, natural history, contemporary art, and the Liberation War.
The galleries are designed with modern lighting and display systems to ensure optimal viewing of delicate artifacts and artworks.
The museum offers comprehensive facilities to enhance your visit:
Wander through 46 galleries showcasing artifacts spanning thousands of years.
Marvel at ancient Buddhist sculptures from the Pala period, examine intricate terracotta plaques from Paharpur, and study rare coins from various dynasties.
The contemporary art section displays masterpieces by Bangladesh's most celebrated painters and sculptors, offering a visual journey through the nation's artistic evolution.
The museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who bring history to life with engaging narratives.
School groups can book specialized educational programs tailored to different age groups, covering topics from ancient civilizations to the Liberation War.
These tours provide students with hands-on learning experiences that complement their academic curriculum.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions featuring loaned collections from international institutions, special thematic displays, and showcases of contemporary Bangladeshi artists.
Cultural events, lectures, and seminars are regularly organized, creating opportunities for intellectual engagement and community dialogue about art, history, and heritage preservation.
The museum houses an extensive research library with rare books, journals, and archival materials available to scholars and students.
Researchers can access the collection database and request to study specific artifacts under supervised conditions.
The museum actively supports academic research and regularly publishes catalogs and scholarly papers.
Specific activities you can enjoy:
Visiting the National Museum is a safe and enriching experience, but following these practical tips will help ensure your visit is comfortable and hassle-free:
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Step into a hauntingly beautiful world frozen in time. Panam City, nestled within the historic [Sonargaon](/tourist-places/sonargaon) area just 27 kilometers from Dhaka, is an abandoned merchant city that whispers tales of a glorious past. This atmospheric ghost town features 52 colonial-era buildings lining a narrow street, their weathered facades and crumbling grandeur creating a photographer's paradise unlike any other in Bangladesh. **A Merchant's Dream Turned Ghost Town** During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Panam City thrived as the heart of a prosperous Hindu merchant community under British colonial rule. Wealthy traders dealing in the legendary Dhaka muslin, cotton, and other precious goods built impressive homes here, creating a vibrant commercial hub. The narrow main street bustled with life, its elegant buildings housing both residences and trading establishments. These merchants lived lavishly, their wealth reflected in the ornate architecture that still stands today—much like the nawabs who built [Ahsan Manzil](/tourist-places/ahsan-manzil) in Dhaka during the same era. However, the partition of India in 1947 changed everything. The predominantly Hindu merchant community fled to India, leaving behind their homes and businesses. What was once a thriving city became a silent monument to a lost era. The buildings have stood empty ever since, slowly surrendering to nature while maintaining their haunting beauty. **52 Buildings Frozen in Time** Walking through Panam City feels like stepping onto a film set from another century. A narrow street stretches approximately 600 meters, flanked by 52 impressive buildings on both sides. These structures showcase a fascinating fusion of European colonial and Mughal architectural styles, with high ceilings, ornate balconies, arched doorways, and decorative facades. Many buildings feature intricate terracotta work and detailed plasterwork that hint at their former grandeur. Today, peeling paint reveals layers of history, broken windows frame fragments of sky, and vegetation slowly reclaims the structures. Despite their decay, the buildings retain an undeniable elegance. The narrow street creates dramatic perspectives, with the parallel rows of buildings drawing the eye toward vanishing points at either end. While entering the buildings is prohibited due to structural instability, the street-level view offers endless opportunities to appreciate the architectural details and imagine the bustling commercial life that once filled these spaces. **A Photographer's Paradise** Panam City has become legendary among photographers, filmmakers, and artists seeking atmospheric locations. The interplay of light and shadow through broken windows, the textures of weathered brick and crumbling plaster, and the contrast between architectural grandeur and natural decay create endlessly compelling compositions. Morning light casts long shadows down the narrow street, while late afternoon sun illuminates the facades in warm golden tones. Many Bengali films and music videos have been shot here, drawn by the site's unique aesthetic. The location offers vintage charm without the need for elaborate set design. Every visit reveals new details and fresh perspectives, making Panam City a place photographers return to again and again. Panam City stands as a powerful time capsule, preserving a moment in colonial Bengal's history when merchant princes built their dreams in brick and mortar. Today, these silent ruins speak eloquently of prosperity, exodus, and the passage of time, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a vanished world.
**A Modern Wonder** The National Parliament House stands as one of Bangladesh's most iconic landmarks, serving as the home of the nation's parliament while being recognized worldwide as a masterpiece of modern architecture. Designed by the renowned American architect [Louis Kahn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Kahn), this remarkable building took over two decades to complete, with construction beginning in 1961 and finishing in 1982. The result is one of the largest legislative complexes in the world, a structure that has become synonymous with Bangladesh's capital city and democratic heritage. **Architectural Brilliance** Kahn's design for the parliament building is truly extraordinary, utilizing geometric shapes throughout the massive concrete structure to create a visual language that is both striking and deeply meaningful. Circles, triangles, and rectangles combine in unexpected ways, forming patterns that catch the eye from every angle. The complex consists of nine separate blocks that interconnect to form the main structure, each block possessing its own distinct character while contributing to the harmonious whole. What makes the design particularly special is how natural light pours through geometric openings in the walls, creating ever-changing patterns of light and shadow that transform the interior spaces throughout the day. **The Surrounding Lake** An artificial lake called Crescent Lake embraces the parliament building, its still waters creating perfect mirror images of Kahn's geometric forms. This reflecting pool serves multiple purposes - it enhances the building's visual impact, provides a cooling effect in Dhaka's tropical climate, and creates a peaceful buffer zone around the government complex. The lake area has become a favorite spot for both photographers and casual visitors, who come to walk along the shaded pathways, sit on benches beneath the trees, and experience the serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling city just beyond the grounds. For those seeking more green space, the nearby [Chandrima Udyan](/tourist-places/chandrima-udyan) offers additional gardens and walking paths. **Symbol of Democracy** This building represents far more than just impressive architecture - it stands as a proud symbol of Bangladesh's democracy and hard-won independence. Within its walls, parliament members gather to debate and create the laws that shape the nation's future. The grand assembly hall has witnessed countless historic moments since the building opened, hosting discussions and decisions that have defined modern Bangladesh. For many citizens, the building's distinctive silhouette represents the democratic ideals and sovereign identity of their nation. **Visiting Experience** Because the parliament building serves as an active government facility with ongoing legislative work, public access follows certain necessary restrictions. The interior is generally not open for casual visits, requiring special permission from the parliament secretariat for those who wish to see the assembly hall and inner chambers. However, the exterior and surrounding lake areas are typically accessible during daylight hours, offering visitors the chance to appreciate the architecture from outside, walk the peaceful grounds, and capture stunning photographs. The view from any angle around Crescent Lake is impressive, and many visitors find that experiencing the building from the outside provides a deeply satisfying encounter with this architectural masterpiece. **Architectural Recognition** Louis Kahn's design for the National Parliament House has earned widespread acclaim from architects and critics around the world, with many considering it among the finest examples of modernist government architecture ever constructed. The building appears frequently in architectural textbooks and academic studies, drawing students and professionals from across the globe who come to study its innovative use of geometry, light, and materials. Kahn's work here demonstrated how traditional geometric forms could be reimagined to create something entirely contemporary, and the building's influence can be seen in institutional architecture worldwide.
Nestled in the bustling heart of Dhaka, Ramna Park stands as a verdant sanctuary spanning an impressive 68.5 acres. This historic urban oasis offers respite from the city's relentless pace, drawing locals and visitors alike to its shaded pathways and serene lake. As Dhaka's largest and most beloved public park, it has witnessed generations of families creating memories beneath its ancient trees. **A Colonial Era Green Space** Ramna's story begins in the Mughal period when it served as a royal garden retreat. During British colonial rule in the late 19th century, the area was formally developed into a public park. The British envisioned it as a green lung for the growing city, complete with ornamental plantings and planned walkways. Adjacent to what was then the Race Course (now [Suhrawardy Udyan](/tourist-places/suhrawardy-udyan)), Ramna Park became the recreational heart of colonial Dhaka. Its legacy continues today, with many of the original trees now towering giants that provide welcome shade. **Nature in the City** The park's centerpiece is its expansive lake, where morning mist creates an almost magical atmosphere. Ancient rain trees, mahogany, and krishnachura trees form a dense canopy overhead, their roots having witnessed decades of the city's transformation. Walking paths wind through diverse flora, from carefully maintained flower beds to wild grasses that attract numerous bird species. You might spot kingfishers diving near the lake or hear the melodious calls of doel birds among the branches. Despite the urban chaos beyond its borders, Ramna maintains a remarkably peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the traffic outside. **Cultural Heart of Dhaka** Beyond its natural beauty, Ramna Park pulses with cultural significance. Every morning, it transforms into an outdoor gymnasium where Dhaka's health-conscious residents jog, practice yoga, and perform tai chi. The most iconic tradition occurs each [Pohela Boishakh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pohela_Boishakh) (Bengali New Year) when thousands gather at Ramna Batamul beneath the historic banyan tree. Here, cultural organization Chhayanaut welcomes the new year with Rabindranath Tagore's songs, creating a spectacle that defines Bengali cultural identity. On weekends, families spread picnic blankets across the lawns while children chase butterflies and feed fish in the lake. Ramna Park isn't just Dhaka's green space—it's the city's living room, perfectly positioned in the Shahbagh cultural district near the [Bangladesh National Museum](/tourist-places/national-museum) and [Curzon Hall](/tourist-places/curzon-hall). Whether you seek morning exercise, quiet contemplation, or festive celebration, this historic park welcomes all with open arms and outstretched branches.
Tucked away in the bustling streets of Old Dhaka lies a botanical treasure that has been captivating visitors for over a century. Baldha Garden, established in 1909, stands as the oldest botanical garden in Bangladesh and one of the most remarkable green spaces in the capital. This verdant sanctuary houses an extraordinary collection of rare and exotic plants gathered from across the globe, making it a living museum of botanical wonders right in the heart of the city. **A Victorian Era Legacy** The garden owes its existence to the vision and passion of Narendra Narayan Roy Chowdhury, a wealthy zamindar and avid botanist who dedicated his life to creating this horticultural masterpiece. In the early 20th century, he transformed three acres of land into a botanical paradise, importing rare species from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. His meticulous attention to detail and deep love for plants is evident in every corner of the garden. After his death, the garden was donated to the government and is now maintained by the Department of Forestry, preserving his legacy for future generations. **Two Gardens in One** What makes Baldha Garden unique is its division into two distinct sections, each named after Greek goddesses. The Psyche section, covering about one acre, primarily features European and Mediterranean plants including roses, cacti, and ornamental species that Roy Chowdhury carefully acclimatized to Dhaka's tropical climate. The Cybele section, spanning two acres, showcases tropical and subtropical species from around the world. Walking through these sections feels like traveling between continents, with each turn revealing plants you might never encounter elsewhere in Bangladesh. **A Living Museum of Plants** Today, Baldha Garden is home to over 672 species of plants, including more than 50 rare varieties found nowhere else in the country. The collection includes magnificent specimens of palms, cycads, exotic orchids, colorful bougainvilleas, and one of the finest cactus collections in South Asia. Century-old trees provide shade to winding pathways, while carefully maintained flowerbeds bloom throughout the year. Many plants are labeled with their botanical and common names, turning a simple walk into an educational journey through the plant kingdom. The garden serves as more than just a tourist attraction. It's a vital center for plant conservation and botanical research, protecting endangered species and providing a peaceful refuge from the chaos of urban life. For those interested in exploring more of Bangladesh's botanical heritage, the modern [National Botanical Garden](/tourist-places/national-botanical-garden) in Mirpur offers a larger, complementary experience. Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone seeking tranquility, Baldha Garden offers a timeless escape into nature's beauty.
