Overview:

Ta Dzong is Bhutan’s National Museum. Located on a hilltop in the capital, Thimphu, it is the main repository of the country’s rich culture and heritage. The museum was first opened in 1968 and has since become a major tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the museum’s numerous galleries, which display priceless artifacts, religious paintings, ritual items, sculptures, and other pieces of Bhutanese cultural history. The museum also houses research and study material, such as books and photographic records, and has become a center for protecting and preserving Bhutanese culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. The Bhutan National Museum, otherwise known as Ta Dzong, is an important repository of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and is the most important historic landmark in the country. 2. The museum is housed in a 17th century watch tower which was built to guard the Paro Dzong, the Rinpung Dzong, an ancient Buddhist monastery located in the Paro district of Bhutan. 3. The museum boasts over 3000 artifacts and historical relics from Bhutan's past, such as rare stamps, ancient coinage, examples of traditional Bhutanese weaponry, and ancient texts detailing Bhutanese history. 4. The museum also serves as a research center for anthropologists and historians interested in the study of Bhutan's culture. 5. Ta Dzong, or “The Watch Tower” as it is known in English, was originally established in 1649. 6. It was created as a fortress to guard and protect the Paro Dzong and the surrounding region during wars and conflicts which plagued 19th century Bhutan. 7. In 1968 the Bhutanese government decided to convert the Ta Dzong into a museum to preserve its significant historical artifacts which had been eroded by time and weather. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Ta Dzong or National Museum of Bhutan was founded in 1968 in the historic, circular structure that was constructed in 1649 as the watchtower of the Paro Dzong. It was converted into a museum in 1967 and officially opened to the public in 1968 by the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The museum holds numerous artifacts from Bhutanese history, culture and religion. The museum's collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armor, household objects, Buddhist ceremonial objects and coins. In 2006, the museum underwent a major renovation and expansion. During the renovation, a room dedicated to modern Bhutanese history was opened, and additional sections such as a botanical garden and insectarium were added. The museum also contains a research library with ancient manuscripts and books about Bhutan's history. The Ta Dzong is now considered one of Bhutan's most important cultural and heritage hubs. It hosts various exhibitions and educational programmes and offers regular guided tours regarding Bhutanese culture and tradition for visitors. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. One of the most interesting aspects of Ta Dzong is its circular shape, which reflects the shape of a conch shell. This was a deliberate design element meant to imitate the ancient Bhutanese fortresses which were often built in a circular shape for defence purposes. 2. The National Museum has a vast array of artwork and artifacts from ancient Bhutanese, as well as from cultures of surrounding countries. Sculptures, thangkas, masks and ritual objects are all on display in Ta Dzong. 3. Ta Dzong is home to the most comprehensive collection of Bhutanese coins anywhere in the world. 4. Ta Dzong houses the country’s crown jewels and other important relics from the royal family. 5. The museum also includes an impressive gallery of photographs depicting the culture and history of Bhutan. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.