Kathmandu Travel Guide

Museums & Galleries

The National Museum: at Chhauni houses a wealth of statues and paubha paintings, in addition to ancient firearms, leather cannons and relics of the great earthquake of 1934.
Chhauni, near Swayambhu. Open: 09:30 to 15:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

The Natural History Museum: presents a window to the natural history of Nepal. The museum houses a significant collection of different species of animals, butterflies and plants.
Near Swayambhunath Hill. Open: 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday to Friday.

The National Art Gallery: features a rich collection of paubha scroll paintings and bronze, brass, stone and wooden images. The exhibits consist of some of the rarest paintings of Nepal and a wide array of manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations.
Bhaktapur, Durbar Square. Open: 09:30 to 15:30, Tuesday to Saturday.

The Patan Museum: focuses on bronze statues and religious objects, some dating back to as early as the 11th century. Certain objects have been proven to date from the period of the Lichhavi kings. Most of the statues are of Buddha, Bishnu, Lokeswar and Devi, covering both the Hindu and Buddhist iconology. The museum has recently been completely renovated.
Patan Durbar in the Durbar Square. Open: 10:30 to 16:30, Wed to Mon.