Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Kathmandu | Attractions, Timings and Ticket 

Embark on a royal expedition through time at the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, where the opulent Narayanhiti Palace Museum stands as a living testament to the nation’s intriguing royal heritage. Nestled in the bustling capital city, this magnificent palace-turned-museum invites visitors to explore the regal abode that once housed generations of Nepalese monarchs. In this blog, we will journey through the halls of history, uncovering the secrets, stories, and architectural splendors that make the Narayanhiti Palace Museum an essential stop for history enthusiasts and curious minds. Let’s open the doors to a captivating world of Nepal’s royal past and gain a deeper understanding of the monarchy’s role in shaping the nation’s identity.

Narayanhiti Palace Museum Location

The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is located in Kathmandu, Nepal, at the following address:

Narayanhiti Palace Museum Kaiser Mahal Road Kathmandu, Nepal

The museum is located in the heart of Kathmandu, near many other tourist attractions, including the Garden of Dreams and the Thamel neighborhood.

History of Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Narayanhiti Palace Museum was built in the early 1970s as a residence for the Shah dynasty, which ruled Nepal for over 200 years. American architect Benjamin Polk designed the palace, a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture blending traditional Nepali elements.

The palace was inaugurated in 1972 and was home to the Shah dynasty until 2001 when a royal massacre occurred. The massacre resulted in the deaths of the king, queen, and several other royal family members.

After the massacre, the palace was closed for several years. 2008, the palace was converted into a museum and opened to the public. The museum is a popular tourist destination and showcases the history and culture of Nepal.

Architecture of Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture. The palace is made of red brick and has a white facade. The palace has a symmetrical design with a central entrance and two wings.

The palace is surrounded by a large garden containing many fountains and sculptures. The palace is also home to many works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.

The interior of the palace is just as impressive as the exterior. The palace has many lavishly decorated rooms, including the throne room, the banquet hall, and the royal library. The palace also has many private rooms, such as the king and queen’s bedroom and the children’s rooms.

The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a beautiful and historic building well worth visiting. The museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Nepal.

Narayanhiti Palace Museum Ticket Price and Timings

The ticket price for the Narayanhiti Palace Museum in Kathmandu, Nepal is as follows:

  • Adults: ₹250
  • Children (under the age of 12): ₹100

The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance. Photography is not allowed inside the museum.

Exhibits at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Narayanhiti Palace Museum in Kathmandu, Nepal has several exhibits that showcase Nepal’s history and culture. Some of the most notable exhibits include:

  • The Throne Room

The Throne Room in Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a lavishly decorated room where the king and queen held court and received guests. It is a large room with a high ceiling, a crystal chandelier, and two thrones made of gold and silver. The throne room’s walls are decorated with murals depicting scenes from Nepali history and mythology.

The Throne Room is located on the palace’s first floor and is accessible to visitors. The room is decorated in a traditional Nepali style, with red carpets, ornate furniture, and gold-plated mirrors. The two thrones are placed on a raised platform in the center of the room.

The Throne Room was used for various purposes, including official ceremonies, state banquets, and the reception of foreign dignitaries. It was also used for the coronation of the king and queen.

Today, the Throne Room is one of the most popular exhibits at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Visitors can admire the lavish decorations and imagine what it must have been like to be a guest of the Nepali royal family.

Here are some additional details about the Throne Room:

  • The two thrones are made of solid gold and silver and are decorated with precious stones. The king’s throne is slightly larger and more ornate than the queen’s throne.
  • The murals on the walls of the throne room depict scenes from Nepali history and mythology, such as the coronation of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the Shah dynasty, and the battle of Palanchowk, which was a decisive victory for the Nepalese forces over the Gorkhas.
  • The throne room also contains a number of other artifacts, including a collection of royal swords and daggers, a large mirror made of silver, and a crystal chandelier.
  • The Banquet Hall: 

The Banquet Hall in Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a large, lavishly decorated room where the royal family hosts official dinners and other events. It is located on the palace’s first floor and is accessible to visitors. The hall has a high ceiling and is decorated with crystal chandeliers, red carpets, and ornate furniture.

The Banquet Hall can seat up to 100 guests and has a long dining table, crystal glasses, silver tableware, and fine china. The hall’s walls are decorated with paintings of the royal family and other dignitaries.

The Banquet Hall was used for various purposes, including official dinners, state banquets, and the reception of foreign dignitaries. It was also used for royal weddings and other family celebrations.

Today, the Banquet Hall is one of the most popular exhibits at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Visitors can admire the lavish decorations and imagine what it must have been like to attend a banquet hosted by the Nepali royal family.

Here are some additional details about the Banquet Hall:

  • The long dining table in the Banquet Hall is made of mahogany and is over 100 feet long.
  • The crystal chandeliers in the Banquet Hall were imported from France and are said to be worth millions of dollars.
  • The paintings on the walls of the Banquet Hall depict the royal family and other dignitaries, such as the prime minister of Nepal and the president of India.
  • The Banquet Hall also contains a number of other artifacts, such as a collection of royal silverware and a large mirror made of gold.

The Royal Library: 

The Royal Library in Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a two-story building that houses a collection of over 100,000 books, including manuscripts, rare books, and photographs. The library’s collection is organized into different sections, including a section on Nepali history, Nepali literature, and Nepali art.

The Royal Library was founded in the early 1970s by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, a keen scholar of Nepali history and culture. The royal family and their guests originally used the library, but it was opened in 2008 after the palace was converted into a museum.

The Royal Library is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Nepali history, culture, and literature. The library’s collection includes many rare and unique items, such as manuscripts dating back to the 14th century and photographs of the royal family from the early 20th century.

Today, the Royal Library is one of the most popular exhibits at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Visitors can browse the library’s collection, read books and manuscripts, and learn about Nepali history and culture from the library’s staff.

Here are some additional details about the Royal Library:

  • The library’s collection is organized into different sections, including a section on Nepali history, Nepali literature, and Nepali art.
  • The library also has a section on foreign languages, including English, French, and Hindi books.
  • The library has many rare and unique items, such as manuscripts dating back to the 14th century and photographs of the royal family from the early 20th century.
  • The library’s staff is knowledgeable about Nepali history and culture and can help visitors find the information they seek.

The Royal Gallery: 

The Royal Gallery in Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a long, narrow room with high ceilings that houses a collection of royal artifacts, including weapons, jewelry, clothing, and furniture that belonged to the Shah dynasty, which ruled Nepal for over 200 years. The gallery is located on the palace’s first floor and is accessible to visitors.

The Royal Gallery is decorated in a traditional Nepali style, with red carpets, ornate furniture, and gold-plated mirrors. The gallery walls are lined with glass cases that display the royal artifacts.

Some of the notable artifacts in the Royal Gallery include:

  • The king’s coronation crown, which is made of gold and is encrusted with precious stones.
  • The queen’s wedding dress, which is made of silk and is embroidered with gold threads and pearls.
  • A collection of royal swords and daggers, which are made of steel and are decorated with gold and silver.
  • A collection of royal jewelry, which includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings made of gold, silver, and precious stones.
  • A collection of royal furniture, including chairs, tables, and sofas made of wood and upholstered in velvet and silk.

The Exhibit on the 2001 Royal Massacre: 

The Exhibit on the 2001 Royal Massacre in Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a small room that tells the story of the 2001 royal massacre, in which the king, queen, and several other royal family members were killed. The exhibit includes photographs, videos, and other artifacts from the massacre, such as the king’s bloodstained clothes and the bullet-riddled walls of the palace.

The exhibit is a sobering reminder of the tragedy that occurred in 2001. It is also a reminder of the importance of peace and democracy in Nepal.

Here are some additional details about the Exhibit on the 2001 Royal Massacre:

  • The exhibit begins with a brief overview of the Shah dynasty’s history and Nepal’s political situation in the early 2000s.
  • The exhibit then describes the events of the 2001 royal massacre.
  • The exhibit includes photographs of the victims of the massacre, as well as videos of the aftermath of the massacre.
  • The exhibit also includes many artifacts from the massacre, such as the king’s bloodstained clothes and the bullet-riddled walls of the palace.
  • The exhibit ends with a call for peace and democracy in Nepal.

The Exhibit on the 2001 Royal Massacre is difficult to see, but it is an important exhibit to visit. It is a reminder of the tragedy that occurred in 2001 and the importance of peace and democracy in Nepal.

In addition to these permanent exhibits, the museum hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year. These exhibits often focus on specific aspects of Nepali history and culture.

Places to visit near Narayanhiti Palace Museum

Here are some places to visit near Narayanhiti Palace Museum in Kathmandu, Nepal:

  • Garden of Dreams: This beautiful garden is located just a short walk from Narayanhiti Palace Museum and is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden features a variety of flowers, plants, and fountains, as well as a cafe and a restaurant.
  • Thamel: This lively neighborhood is located just north of Narayanhiti Palace Museum and is known for its shops, restaurants, and bars. Thamel is a great place to buy souvenirs, try Nepali cuisine, and enjoy nightlife.
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a short walk from Narayanhiti Palace Museum and home to various temples, palaces, and courtyards. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a must-see for anyone visiting Kathmandu.
  • Swayambhunath Stupa: This ancient Buddhist stupa is located on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu and offers stunning city views. Swayambhunath Stupa is also known as the “Monkey Temple” due to the many monkeys living there.
  • Boudhanath Stupa: This massive Buddhist stupa is located in the northeastern part of Kathmandu and is one of the largest stupas in the world. Boudhanath Stupa is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.
  • Pashupatinath Temple: This Hindu temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temples. Pashupatinath Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.

How to Reach Narayanhiti Palace Museum

Narayanhiti Palace Museum, located in the capital city of Kathmandu, Nepal, is easily accessible through various modes of transportation. Here’s a guide on how to reach the museum:

  1. By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services:
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are readily available throughout Kathmandu. Simply enter “Narayanhiti Palace Museum” as your destination in the app and proceed to the museum.
  1. By Public Bus:
  • Kathmandu has an extensive public bus network. You can take a local bus to the nearest bus stop to Narayanhiti Palace Museum and walk to the museum from there.
  1. By Walking:
  • You can reach the museum on foot if you’re near Kathmandu Durbar Square or Thamel (both popular tourist areas). It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from these locations.
  1. By Bicycle or Motorcycle:
  • Renting a bicycle or motorcycle is a viable option for exploring Kathmandu and reaching Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Many rental shops are available in tourist areas.
  1. By Private Vehicle:
  • You can drive directly to the museum if you have a hired driver or a rented vehicle. Use GPS or maps for navigation.
  1. By Rickshaw:
  • Rickshaws, both cycle and electric, are a local mode of transportation and can take you to the museum if you’re nearby.

Address of Narayanhiti Palace Museum: Narayanhiti Durbar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

The museum is centrally located in Kathmandu, making it easily accessible for visitors. Consider the traffic conditions and plan your journey, especially during peak hours.

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