Galleries & Collections
The Museum galleries are arranged both by chronological order, such as Neolithic period, as well as by displaying similar objects together, for example sculptures, or armour, or stamps. The Museum possesses over 3,000 objects of historical value, not all of which are displayed. There are three sacred spaces in the Museum which are highlighted.
Museum Galleries
Chapel of the Tree of Merit and Bhutanese Stamps (6th floor)
On the 6th floor is a rich collection of Bhutanese stamps that were issued by the country’s postal service to commemorate a range of subjects including classic automobiles, Bhutanese wildlife, Royal family coronations and births, international sporting events, space travel, images of Yeti, eight lucky signs and more. Famous for their beauty and collectability, Bhutan’s stamps are highly desirable and very enjoyable to look at. There is a unique stamp on display that plays Bhutan’s national anthem when opened, and is one of a kind in the world.
The Chapel of the Wealth Deity and Thangkas (Scroll paintings on cloth) (5th floor)
The art of thangka painting was introduced to Bhutan as early as the 12th century C.E. and unlike other paintings, they are created to contribute to the spiritual fulfillment of a Buddhist practitioner. The subjects of the Museum’s paintings are Buddhas, mandalas, guardian deities, and tutelary deities. The collection at the National Museum contains a wide range of paintings done in natural mineral pigments. In all, 45 paintings are on display in three groupings: 1) the origin of Buddhism in India; 2) the development of Buddhism in Bhutan; 3) the main protective and tutelary deities of Bhutan.
Prehistoric and Religious Items (4th Floor)
Inside the Museum entrance on the fourth floor is a small collection of prehistoric items ranging from adzes to earthenware pots collected from different parts of the country. The items represent an important source of information demonstrating the existence of people in Bhutan since the Stone Age.
Also on the fourth floor are religious items from the time when Buddhism was introduced into Bhutan in the 8th century. Items such as ritual daggers, swords and other sacred items are on display.
Zhabdrung Gallery, Numismatic, Clothing and Jewelry Collection (3rd Floor)
On the third floor is the collection of coins, historic jewelry, and traditional costumes. On this floor the visitor can see the initiation of currency in Bhutan which began with small coins. The floor also features the evolution of traditional dress for both men and women from the 16th century to the present.
The women’s costume involves several pieces. The kira or dress wraps around the body and is fastened at the shoulder by two brooches, and tied at the waist by a colourful belt. Many beautiful examples of silver brooches with gold plating are on display in the gallery. Under the kira women wear an inner blouse. The outfit is topped by a short jacket. For formal occasions such as festivals or visits to dzongs, women will complement their outfit with a sash (locally known as rachu) over their left shoulder. Women’s clothing is usually made of silk or cotton and various colorful patterns can be combined together.
The men’s costume is called a gho. It is a long robe that is hoisted to the waist and fastened by a cloth belt. Ghos are made of cotton or wool and during colder months, can be layered to add warmth. Alongside the men’s ghos are dance costumes from the West and Central regions of Bhutan. There is also an example of leather pants and a yak wool cape.
In this gallery visitors can also see a display of amulets and amulet cases in silver and copper with turquoise and gold inlay. Some of the jewelry served a dual purpose, for example, for pinning cloaks together and as a weapon when under attack.
Natural History Gallery and Ritual Objects (2nd floor)
Bhutan boasts a great variety of plants and animals that thrive in a range of environments from tropical jungle (Southern Bhutan) to high snow bound mountains (Northern Bhutan). The Royal Government of Bhutan has created one nature reserve, four wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks to preserve and protect its extensive bio-diversity. This protected land amounts to approximately 35 percent of the country. Bhutan has also created a network of biological corridors linking all of the protected areas to facilitate animal migration and access to seasonal food supplies.
The Museum contains some preserved specimens and trophies of such animals as the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, snow leopards, deer, a crocodile, butterflies, and birds. Be sure to note the Bhutan Glory, a species of butterfly unique to Bhutan in the world.
Rites are performed for major life events such as birth, death, marriage, promotion, illness etc. These rites require the use of implements or objects by the presiding monk. This gallery contains examples of ritual objects such as cymbals, daggers, thunderbolts, robes, headdresses, musical instruments and drums appropriate to a range of Buddhist ceremonies.
Cane and Bamboo Products, and Arms and Armour (1st Floor)
This gallery exhibits both modern and traditional weapons which include guns, cannons, swords, and bows and arrows. The guns in the first room of the gallery were presented by foreign diplomats to the Third and Fourth Kings of Bhutan on the occasion of their respective coronations. Other weapons of war on display are swords, rifles, knives, helmets, and shields.
There is a small collection of woven and basketry items for household use.
Farming Implements, Pots and Vessels (Ground Floor)
Near the exit on the ground floor are a number of large vessels lining the walls as well as items for farm use. These were used principally for water storage, or to cook food for large gatherings. These large vessels, made of copper and bronze, were kept by wealthy families. They are examples of Bhutanese metalwork without the benefit of advanced technology.
