The general public over the years has lost interest in museums. Its sad to see how these structures that house the lineage and history of the nation and its people is forsaken. But, they play a crucial role in protecting and conserving the remains of the past. In Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, there are numerous museums which help bring to the people the true beauty of the nation.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
The modern Naryanhiti Palace was established by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah in 1963 AD. The old palace featuring baroque architecture was commissioned by Prime Minister Bir Shumsher. After its completion, the residence was moved to Naraynhiti from Hanuman Dhoka.
Today, in the remembrance of the lives of the Royal Family, the palace has been turned into a museum that safeguards valuable items and artefacts under the serene semi-modern Nepalese architecture surviving through the decades. It stands as an image of the Royal families. The rooms in the palace museum feature names derived from the various districts of Nepal. It is also the home of the Royal Crown. The museum portrays how the royal family spent their daily lives in each room, from where they dined together and celebrated events. Today, it has become a place of exploring the mystery of the Royal Massacre with the bullet scars and bloodstains still remaining. The palace museum is located in Durbarmarg, Kathmandu.
Jyapu Museum
Jyapu Museum offers a journey through the history of the Jyapu community, their lifestyles, and artefacts all the way from the Kirat and Licchavi dynasty to the present times. It was established by the local Jyapu Community of Patan in 2012 to nurture and preserve the stories of their ancestors for the present and future generations. Jyapus are known for their hard work as farmers, musicians, and artists.
The museum starts with a portrayal of the ancient lifestyle through clay utensils and artefacts of Jyapu culture. It follows through the periods in chronological order, showcasing household objects and modes of presenting the art from the time of their ancestors. Today it serves as a symbol of their hard work and integrity. From traditional handlooms and water vessels to more than fifty ancient Newari musical instruments that used to be played in the ceremony, this museum stands as a reflection and resonation of the history built by this community. It is located amid the Jyapu community settlement in Patan, Lalitpur.
It all together combines the intricacies that make up the Jyapu community who are credited as the true native inhabitants of this valley. The space also doubles as the head quarter for Jyapu Samaj, an organization created for the upliftment of the Jyapu community.
Patan Museum
The Patan Durbar, built-in 1734, used to be one of the royal palaces of the former Malla king of the Kathmandu Valley. However, its origin is believed to go as old as the Licchavi Period. After multiple renovations and restoration of the ancient glory, Patan Museum opened in 1997 to safeguard the culture and artefacts preserved through centuries. Historians and archaeologists believe that the main structure during ancient times was part of a monastery which was then converted into the residence for the monarchs during the Lichhavi Era.
The Lichhavi development structure always features the concept of the divine centre. Patan, one of the most ancient cities of the valley features the same style with the royal palace right at its heart. Today it houses unique antiquities of the Newar culture, especially of Lalitpur and presents them in an organized manner for the public. The square of Patan Dubar is credited as an open air museum due to the high significance of its various temples and monuments.
It is constructed with a blend of ancient and modern architecture. The rooms are built of timber wood and brick, and the carefully preserved artefacts are lined up in the room. It protects ancient artefacts ranging from paintings, weapons, and musical instruments to costumes, statues, and weapons. It is situated inside Patan Durbar Square, and it takes about 2 hours to take a breath into its wonders.
