Cultural Museum & Library

Mandalay


This dusty, dowdy and poorly lit collection displays archaeological finds, buddhas and a bullock cart. As is the case in many local archaeology museums, the items on hand are interesting, but lacking any real interpretive displays, so it's tough to appreciate their importance or context.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mandalay attractions

1. Central Mosque

0.17 MILES

This mosque is not a tourist attraction per se, but it has been the site of tense confrontation when anti-Muslim anger has been stoked in the past. The…

2. Sacred Heart Cathedral

0.18 MILES

Founded in the 19th century, this is Mandalay's main Catholic church. It has some historical charm from the colonial period, and is a good place to meet…

3. Shwekyimyint Paya

0.22 MILES

Founded in 1167 by Prince Minshinzaw, exiled son of King Alaungsithu, Shwekyimyint considerably predates Mandalay itself. Minshinzaw consecrated the…

4. Sri Ganesh Temple

0.28 MILES

This temple's colourful, sculpture-crusted gopuram (monumental tower) will excite you if you’ve never been to southern India or Singapore.

5. Clock Tower

0.43 MILES

Mandalay's clock tower mixes Western and Eastern architecture.

6. Fire Lookout Tower

0.5 MILES

This former fire-lookout tower sits next to the main Mandalay fire station. Unfortunately, it can't be climbed.

7. Eindawya Paya

0.79 MILES

Ranged around a sizeable stupa glowing with gold leaf, Eindawa was founded in 1847 by King Pagan Min, whose princely palace once stood here. The complex…

8. Setkyathiha Paya

0.84 MILES

Mostly hidden behind shopfronts, this large elevated pagoda complex includes a ‘golden rock’ lookalike and an enormous sacred bodhi tree planted by U Nu,…