National Museum of Myanmar
Yangon
Located in Dagon, Yangon, the National Museum of Myanmar is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Burmese art, history, and culture. Founded in 1952, the museum spans five stories and houses more than 4,000 permanent objects including ancient artifacts, ornaments, inscriptions, and historic memorabilia. Its most famous exhibit is the original Lion Throne used by the last Burmese monarch, King Thibaw. The museum's 14 galleries cover diverse themes such as Burmese epigraphy and calligraphy, rural life, arts, performing arts, ethnic culture, and Buddha images from various historical periods. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from prehistoric fossils and Stone Age drawings to royal regalia and traditional musical instruments. The museum not only preserves Myanmar's rich cultural heritage but also provides insight into the evolution of Burmese civilization through its extensive collections and galleries.
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Tip: The museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm except Mondays and public holidays. Visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and fully explore the 14 galleries. Booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Photography policies should be checked at the entrance.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the only surviving original Lion Throne of Burmese monarchs, used by King Thibaw.
- •It features a replica of the Padah-Lin Caves with 10,000-year-old Stone Age drawings.
- •The Natural History hall contains a 40-million-year-old anthropoid primate fossil discovered in Upper Myanmar.
- •The Royal Regalia hall includes 141 royal objects from the Konbaung dynasty, returned from the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
History
The National Museum of Myanmar was originally opened in June 1952 at Jubilee Hall in Yangon.
In 1957, the Royal Lion Throne was moved there for public display.
The museum relocated to a larger building on Pansodan Street in 1968, reopening in 1970.
It moved to its current five-storey location in Dagon, Yangon, in 1996, where it continues to serve as the main repository of Burmese cultural heritage.
Place Guide
Burmese Epigraphy and Calligraphy Hall
This ground floor hall exhibits the origins and development of Burmese script alongside other ancient and ethnic scripts, illustrating the linguistic heritage of Myanmar.
Hall of Culture
Displays traditional Burmese rural life artifacts including a bullock cart, monk's offering bowl adorned with semi-precious stones, and ancient personal ornaments.
Hall of Arts
Covers Burmese art history from Stone Age cave paintings to contemporary works, including pieces from Bagan, Innwa, Taungoo, Konbaung, and Yadanabon periods, plus rotating exhibitions.
Hall of Performing Arts
Exhibits traditional musical instruments and a Burmese orchestra (saingwaing), along with marionettes used in classical dramas and operas.
Hall of Ethnic Culture
Showcases national dresses and traditional artifacts from Myanmar's diverse ethnic groups, emphasizing cultural plurality.
Buddha Images Hall
Displays Buddha images dating from the Pyu Period to modern times, illustrating religious art evolution.
Natural History Hall
Features fossils including a 40-million-year-old anthropoid primate fossil found in Pondaung, Upper Myanmar.
Pre-historic Times Hall
Contains a replica of the Padah-Lin Caves with ancient Stone Age drawings, stone and bronze weapons, and artifacts from the Pyu period excavations.
Burmese History Hall
Exhibits pagodas, temples, murals, and votive tablets from Bagan to Konbaung periods, illustrating religious and historical heritage.
Royal Regalia Hall
Displays ornately decorated royal objects used in ceremonies of ancient Burmese kings, including 141 items from the Konbaung dynasty.
Throne Room
Houses miniature models of eight types of ancient Burmese thrones and the original Royal Lion Throne of King Thibaw, used in the Hluttaw Hall.
Yadanabon Period Exhibit Hall
Features clothing, furniture, and household items from the Yadanabon period, including a palanquin used by King Thibaw's Chief Abbot.
Contact
Phone: 01 378 652
