Museums in Bangladesh

Museums & Art Centers

Bangladesh’s museums offer a journey from ancient Buddhist civilizations to the colonial era and modern folk traditions. This collection features the Varendra Research Museum, the oldest in the country, alongside the architectural grandeur of Ahsan Manzil and Mohera Jamidar Bari. Archaeological sites like Shalbon Vihara and Mainamati Museum display artifacts from the 8th century, while specialized institutions in Sylhet and Chattogram preserve the heritage of mystic poets, railway history, and the diverse traditions of indigenous ethnic groups.

Museums & Art Centers — Map

Aymash / CC-BY-2.5

A

Pink Palace

Ahsan Manzil is a palace located in the Kumartoli area of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

B

Varendra Research Museum, Rajshahi

Established in 1910, this is the oldest museum in Bangladesh. It houses a significant collection of ancient stone sculptures, rare manuscripts, and artifacts from the Varendra region, focusing on Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic history.

C

Shilaidaha Kuthibari

The former country residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This three-story brick building displays personal memorabilia, photographs, and original furniture used by the poet during his stays in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

D

Mainamati Museum

Located near the archaeological sites of Comilla, this museum houses artifacts excavated from nearby Buddhist ruins, including bronze statues, terracotta plaques, ancient coins, and jewelry dating back to the 8th century.

E

Shalbon Vihara

An 8th-century Buddhist monastery featuring 115 cells for monks built around a central shrine. This archaeological site is one of the most significant ancient landmarks in the Mainamati region.

F

Mohera Jamidar Bari Museum

A well-preserved colonial-era palace complex in Tangail consisting of four main buildings: Chowdhury Lodge, Maharaj Lodge, Ananda Lodge, and Kalicharan Lodge. It features Neoclassical architecture and landscaped gardens.

G

Hason Raja Museum

Dedicated to the life and works of the mystic poet and philosopher Hason Raja. Located in Sylhet, the museum displays his personal belongings, musical instruments, and original manuscripts.

H

ক্ষুদ্র নৃগোষ্ঠী সাংস্কৃতিক ইনস্টিটিউট জাদুঘর

Located in Rangamati, this museum preserves the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It displays traditional costumes, ornaments, hunting tools, and musical instruments.

I

Bangladesh Railway Museum, Bangladesh Railway Museum, Ambagan Road, Chattogram

The only railway museum in Bangladesh, housed in a colonial-era bungalow. It features vintage locomotives, signaling equipment, and historical artifacts from the British Raj era of the Eastern Bengal Railway.

J

Barisal Divisional Museum

Housed in the historic Collectorate building, this museum displays archaeological finds, folk art, and historical artifacts specific to the Barisal division and the southern coastal region.

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