National Museum of Myanmar (Yangon)

The National Museum of Myanmar stands at 66/74 Pyay Road in Dagon Township, Yangon, and holds the country's principal national collection. Its best-known object is the Sihasana Lion Throne, a gilded and carved throne about eight metres high that came from the royal palace at Mandalay and is displayed in a hall of its own. Other galleries show royal regalia, court costumes, Buddhist sculpture and manuscripts, ethnographic displays on the country's many ethnic groups, musical instruments, and historical and archaeological finds from sites such as Bagan and Pyu cities. Labels are in Burmese and English, though the level of detail varies. Hours are typically Tuesday to Sunday from about 10:00 to 16:00, with closure on Mondays and public holidays, and visitors should verify before going. Entry costs about 5,000 MMK (about $1.16) for foreign visitors. A visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and the lion throne alone justifies the trip for many visitors. Lighting is dim in places, and some galleries show their age, but the collections give useful context before visits to Bagan or Mandalay. The best photo opportunity is the throne, though photography rules vary and visitors should check at the desk, since cameras may be restricted or incur a fee. Weekday late mornings are the quietest, and weekends see school groups and families. The building is air-conditioned in parts, which makes it a good midday refuge from the heat. Taxis from downtown cost roughly 2,000 to 4,000 MMK, and the museum is on the Pyay Road bus corridor. Visitors should leave large bags at the cloakroom if required and carry some small change for any additional fees.