The Bangladesh National Museum is in Shahbag, Dhaka. It began in 1913 as the Dhaka Museum in Nimtali and later moved to its present building in Shahbag; it holds wide collections of archaeology, art, coins and history.
Location
Shahbag, Dhaka
Origin
1913 — the Dhaka Museum
Moved to Shahbag
Its present building
Collections
Archaeology, art, coins, history
The museum began in 1913 as the “Dhaka Museum” in Nimtali. It later moved to a new building in Shahbag, and by 1983 it had settled into its present premises.
It sits in the central cultural area of Dhaka, close to Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan.
The collection includes sculpture and painting from Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods, old coins, metal images, ivory and silver work, textiles — including the world-famous muslin — and nakshi kantha embroidery.
Material relating to the Language Movement and the Liberation War is also preserved, which makes the museum important for a history-focused visit.
Because it is in Shahbag, the museum can easily be combined with the Shaheed Minar and Suhrawardy Udyan in a single day.
Check the museum’s official source for current opening hours, tickets and weekly closures.
Information checked: 3 November 2026. Access conditions, opening hours, fares and nearby opening arrangements can change — confirm the latest details before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
In Shahbag, Dhaka.
In 1913, as the “Dhaka Museum” in Nimtali; it later moved to the present building in Shahbag.
Archaeology, sculpture and painting, coins, metal images, muslin, nakshi kantha and historical material.
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