The National Art Museum in Bhaktapur

About the National Art Museum / Gallery

Built inside a part of the old Royal Palace in Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square it’s probably the best gallery and museum in Nepal. The national art gallery took some damage during the April 25th earthquake in Nepal. The main attraction here are the old Thangka paintings during the time of the monarchy. Chronicles and manuscripts along with stone and woodwork. Most trips abroad dedicate a visit to at least one museum or art gallery. In Nepal your best choice is the National Art Gallery.

Inside the National Art Gallery

Highlights inside the National Art Gallery include an impressive collection of paintings, tapestries and murals. This is especially true of Thangka’s which depict many Buddhist observations over the years. The god Bhairab is featured heavily throughout. So too are several erotic images and carvings so you might want to keep that in mind if visiting with children. The second floor is filled with manuscripts and paintings from the royal lineage. It gets a little cramped after a while. However there is a wonderful opportunity to look out old wooden windows overlooking the inner-courtyard gardens. Entrance fee The National Art Gallery is not covered under Bhaktapur’s main entrance fee. It costs 150 rupees for a ticket to the National Art Gallery however this ticket also gives you access to the woodwork museum and metalwork museum in Dattatreya Square.