Yangon : Raining outdoor, no problem! Go visit the 5 storey National Museum of Myanmar!

Why visit National Museum of Yangon?

The museum may not for everyone when they travel but since it was raining outside, we decided to have some indoor activities and that would be the National Museum of Myanmar. I am not a museum lover too but when the weather did not permit us to play outside, well you got to think of another way to spend your time. It happens to me when I was in Matsumoto city too, visited the museum and learn about Yayoi Kusama, the 80 years old polka dot artists because of heavy rain outdoor.

Where it is located?

National Museum of Myanmar is located in Dagon, Pyay Road; not too far from the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is a 5 story museum which has the collection of ancient artifacts, ornaments, artwork, culture, and civilization of Burmese people.

5 Story Museum

Ground Floor: You learn about the origin of the Myanmar alphabet. Myanmar script and literature. There is also the Magnificent Royal Lion Throne of the last monarch King Thibaw. I think the throne is one of the icons in this museum and being placed in the most obvious spot. The King uses this throne when meeting with his ministers. You will see the replica of Lion Throne in Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago – the ancient capital of Myanmar if you plan to visit Bago city.

First Floor: There are plenty of ancient artifacts used by the Royal family. Made of pure gold and studded with jewels.

Second Floor: You see more of Myanmar Traditional Folk Art such as weaving and other traditional arts and craft including the traditional musical instruments used. (Below picture show Burmese Harp known as Saung in the local language, can be widely seen in most places in Myanmar; eg, the entrance of a restaurants, hotel lobby, and even airport hall.)

Third Floor: Painting of past and contemporary artists displayed on this floor.

Fourth floor: Various of Buddha images at the Buddha image showroom and cultural National Races which has all of the different ethnic traditional costumes displayed. There are about 135 ethnic living in Myanmar. The majority are still Bamar ethnic which consist of up to 70%.

The admission is 5,000 Kyat (USD $5.00)

Final thoughts :

There are 5 stories to walk around in the National Museum of Myanmar. There are plenty of artifacts to see but the light is very dim so it is kind of hard to see it properly. My favorite would be the rich collection of Royal Treasures including many solid gold artifacts.