Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Park
Mymensingh
Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Park, also known as Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala, is an art museum and park located in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, dedicated to the celebrated artist Zainul Abedin (1914–1976). Established in 1975 in the area of Shaheeb Quarter Park on the banks of the Old Brahmaputra River, the museum preserves and exhibits the artist's significant works, including oil paintings and drawings that depict rural Bengal and important historical subjects such as the Bengal famine of 1943. The collection consists of 53 original oil paintings, 16 replicas, 75 photographs documenting Abedin's life and work, and 69 personal mementos like brushes and palettes, displayed in glass cases. The park also features an art school and an artists' cottage, fulfilling Abedin's vision of nurturing future talents. Visitors can enjoy the open-air stage used for educational activities and cultural events, including an annual anniversary program with discussions and painting competitions. The museum is a branch of the Bangladesh National Museum, which holds a larger collection of Abedin's paintings. Renovations and facility upgrades have enhanced visitor experience with modern amenities such as a projector and sound system, making it a unique cultural landmark celebrating Bangladesh's modern art movement pioneer.
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Tip: The best time to visit is in December when the museum hosts an anniversary program featuring discussions on Zainul Abedin's life and painting competitions. Visitors are advised to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets beforehand to avoid queues. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The museum's location by the Brahmaputra River offers a scenic setting, so plan extra time for a leisurely walk around the park and visit the art cottage if possible.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds 53 original oil paintings by Zainul Abedin, along with 16 replicas and 75 photographs of his life and works.
- •In 1982, seventeen paintings were stolen from the museum, but only ten were recovered by 1994.
- •The museum grounds include an art school and an artists' cottage where visiting artists can stay, established according to Abedin's wishes.
- •The museum is situated on the bank of the Old Brahmaputra River, where Abedin himself used to draw scenes of rural Bengal.
History
Zainul Abedin, born in Mymensingh in 1914, began his artistic journey drawing by the Brahmaputra River and later studied at Calcutta Government Art School.
In the 1950s, he initiated a movement to collect neglected Bangladeshi artworks scattered across rural areas.
The museum was established in 1975 in Mymensingh, Abedin's hometown, initially housing around 70 of his works.
In 1982, the museum suffered an art theft with seventeen pieces stolen, ten of which were recovered by 1994.
Renovations started in 1997, and the Bangladesh National Museum took over the gallery in 1999, completing extensive upgrades by 2004, including new facilities and preservation equipment.
The museum continues to honor Abedin's legacy as a pioneer of Bangladesh's modern art movement.
Place Guide
Main Gallery1975
The central exhibition space houses 53 original oil paintings by Zainul Abedin, showcasing his depictions of rural Bengal, famine scenes, and the independence movement. It also displays 16 replicas and 75 photographs documenting his artistic journey.
Mementos Display
A dedicated area featuring 69 personal items used by Abedin, such as brushes, palettes, easels, and spectacles, all showcased in glass boxes to provide insight into the artist’s working methods.
Art Cottage
A separate three-room building within the park grounds where artists can stay during residencies, fostering creative exchange and study, in line with Abedin's vision for art education.
Open-Air Stage
An outdoor stage used by art students for performances and events, which can also be rented for cultural activities, enhancing the museum’s role as a community hub.
Contact
Phone: 091-66960
