National Museum

Visiting these iconic locations offers a unique look into the spiritual and natural heart of the country

Short intro about

National Museum

Paro Ta dzong, the fortress of watchtower was thus built on the promontory of the eastern spur of Paro valley directly above Rinpung Dzong in 1649 by La Ngonpa Tenzin Drugdra, the first Paro Penlop or Governor of Paro.In keeping with the mission of the National Museum of Bhutan, the Museum staff recognizes the growing importance of cultural and heritage preservation in Bhutan both for the Bhutanese people and for sharing it with others.

History
Key Historical Facts:
  • Construction: The Ta Dzong (“Watch Fortress”) was built in 1649 by La Ngonpa Tenzin Drugda, the first governor of the Paro Valley, to guard the Rinpung Dzong.
  • Design: It has a unique, circular conch shell shape, featuring extremely thick stone walls (\(2.5\) meters) designed to withstand attacks and earthquakes.
  • Military Use: Historically, it functioned as a lookout, a repository for armor, and a prison. An underground passage is believed to have connected it to the Pa Chhu river for water supply during sieges.
  • Transformation: Following a period of disuse, it was renovated and inaugurated as the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968 by the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
  • Earthquake Damage:
Location

Access to the museum involves driving through a 4-kilometre loop into Dop Shari valley. While at the museum, one can easily access the town by walking down a path which passes through dzong. You can get excellent views of the valley and the Ugyen Pelri palace. 

Reminder

Tourist who wishes to visit Ta Dzong – National Museum should note its timing.

From Tuesday to Saturday Ta Dzong Museum stays open from 9am to 4pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Except for Monday and some government holiday Ta Dzong can be visited anytime within the given schedule.

Visitors need to pay a nominal amount of entry fee to visit National Museum of Bhutan of Ta Dzong. The entry fees of National Museum of Bhutan are as follows: 10 Nu for Locals, 50 Nu for tourist from SAARC, 5 Nu for Students and 200 Nu for the Foreign Nationals. There is no entry fee charged for the Monks, Gomchen, Nuns and children below age 10.

Visitors should that the entry fee of National Museum of Bhutan of Ta Dzong is a subject to change.

external_link_fill external_link_fill External
  • Design: A unique cylindrical (round) tower designed as a military lookout.
  • Construction: Built in 1649 and completed in 1651, the walls are approximately \(2.5\) meters thick, crafted from stone and wood without the use of nails.
  • Location: Perched on a hilltop above Rinpung Dzong, providing a commanding 360-degree view of the Paro valley.
  • Renovation: After being damaged in a 2011 earthquake, it underwent major, long-term restoration work to preserve its historical architecture. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Internal
  • Layout: The structure has six to seven stories (accounts vary) which visitors generally explore in a descending manner.
  • Highlights: Displays include a diverse collection of ancient Thangka paintings, historic weapons, bronze statues, Bhutanese textiles, and natural history artifacts, such as a “horse horn” and an egg laid by a mule.
  • Historical Significance: Historically, the fourth floor served as a prison cell, with a removable bridge once connecting it to other floors for isolation.
  • Modernization: Following restoration, the museum includes improved lighting and interactive viewing, along with a secondary, modern building for additional exhibits. 
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