Tribhuvan Museum

Kathmandu


The section of the Hanuman Dhoka palace west of Nasal Chowk, overlooking the main Durbar Sq area, was constructed by the Ranas in the middle to late part of the 19th century. This wing bore the brunt of the damage in the 2015 earthquake. Many exhibits were destroyed and the Department of Archaeology has estimated that reconstruction will take years. It is unclear at this stage whether such offbeat treasures as King Tribhuvan’s favourite stuffed bird survived the disaster.

The museum celebrated King Tribhuvan (r 1911–55) and his successful revolt against their regime, along with memorials to Kings Mahendra (1955–72) and Birendra (1972–2001). Exhibits with names such as the ‘Royal Babyhood’ kicked off some fascinating recreations of the foppish king’s bedroom and study, with genuine personal effects that gave quite an eerie insight into his life. Some of the exhibits, such as the king’s boxing gloves, the walking stick with a spring-loaded sword hidden inside and his dusty, drained aquarium, added some surreal moments. There were several magnificent thrones, plenty of hunting photos and the obligatory coin collection.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kathmandu attractions

1. Degutaleju Temple

0.02 MILES

This triple-roofed temple is actually part of the darker, red-brick Hanuman Dhoka, surmounting the buildings below it, but it is most easily seen from…

2. Nasal Chowk

0.02 MILES

From the entrance gate of the Hanuman Dhoka palace you immediately enter its most famous chowk. Nasal Chowk was used for coronations, a practice that…

3. Mohankali Chowk

0.02 MILES

Mohankali (Mohan) Chowk, inside the Hanuman Dhoka complex, was once used as a residence by the Malla kings. It's currently closed for post-earthquake…

4. Hanuman Dhoka

0.02 MILES

Kathmandu's royal palace, known as the Hanuman Dhoka, was originally founded during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD), but the compound was…

5. Jagannath Temple

0.02 MILES

This temple, noted for the erotic carvings on its roof struts, is the oldest structure in this part of Durbar Sq. Pratap Malla claimed to have constructed…

6. Seto (White) Bhairab

0.02 MILES

Seto (White) Bhairab’s horrible face is hidden away behind a grille in an earthquake-damaged pavilion opposite King Pratap Malla’s Column. The huge mask…

7. King Pratap Malla’s Column

0.02 MILES

The square stone pillar, known as the Pratap Dhvaja, was previously topped by a famous statue of King Pratap Malla (r 1641–74), looking towards his…

8. Sundari Chowk

0.03 MILES

This courtyard in the Hanuman Dhoka palace is currently off-limits for post-earthquake reconstruction but should reopen eventually.