National Museum of Nepal (Chhauni) | Kathmandu

Information

Landmark: National Museum of Nepal (Chhauni)
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

National Museum of Nepal (Chhauni), Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia

The National Museum of Nepal, also known as the Chhauni Museum, is the country’s oldest and largest museum complex, situated in the Chhauni area of Kathmandu. It serves as the primary institution for the preservation and display of Nepalese archaeological finds, historical artifacts, and military heritage.

Visual Characteristics

The complex consists of three main buildings: the Historical Building, the Buddhist Art Gallery, and the Juddha Art Gallery. The architecture ranges from 19th-century Newari-style brick masonry with carved timber to modern specialized galleries. The grounds are characterized by expansive stone-paved courtyards, landscaped gardens, and outdoor displays of decommissioned military hardware and religious sculptures.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is located approximately 2.5 kilometers west of central Kathmandu (New Road/Durbar Square) and 1 kilometer south of the Swayambhunath Stupa. It is accessible via the Chhauni Road. Public transport from Ratna Park stops at the museum entrance. For pedestrians, it is a 20-minute walk from the base of the Swayambhu hill. Visitors must purchase tickets at the main gate; fees vary for Nepali citizens, SAARC nationals, and international tourists.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1928 as the "Silkhana Gallery" (Arsenal Gallery) by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa, it was originally used to house weapons and war trophies. It was opened to the public in 1938 and renamed the National Museum of Nepal in 1967. The site is situated on a plateau overlooking the Bishnumati River, providing an urban green space that supports local bird populations and mature tree canopies.

Key Highlights & Activities

The museum houses over 8,000 artifacts. Major highlights include the collection of rare bronze and stone sculptures dating back to the Licchavi period (4th–9th centuries), the gallery of historical weaponry featuring swords used by national heroes, and the Buddhist Art Gallery containing rare thangkas and statues of various deities. Visitors can observe the development of Nepalese art from the prehistoric era to the modern period.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a visitor information center, souvenir shop, and public restrooms. Following recent renovations, the galleries feature improved lighting and bilingual (Nepali/English) descriptions. 4G/5G cellular coverage is reliable throughout the site. Shade is abundant in the outdoor sections due to mature pipal and banyan trees.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is typically open daily from 10:30 to 16:30 (closed on Tuesdays and public holidays). Morning hours (10:30–12:30) are optimal for avoiding school groups and for photography in the outdoor courtyards. The post-monsoon months (October–December) offer the best logistical conditions for exploring the three separate buildings.

Facts & Legends

A unique exhibit is the "Moon Rock," a specimen of lunar basalt brought to Earth during the Apollo 17 mission and gifted to the people of Nepal. A logistical fact: the museum’s Historical Building was once a residential palace for the Prime Minister, and its sturdy construction allowed it to survive the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes with less damage compared to other heritage sites in the valley.