National Museum of Myanmar

The National Museum of Myanmar is located at 66/74 Pyay Road in Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar, and holds the country's main collection of national heritage. The institution grew from collections assembled after independence in 1948, and the present five-storey building opened in the 1990s after the collection moved from an earlier site on Pansodan Street. Its best-known object is the Sihasana, or Lion Throne, the royal throne of the Konbaung kings that was taken from the Mandalay Palace after the British annexation in 1885 and later returned to Myanmar. The gilded and carved throne is displayed on the ground or upper floors with other regalia from the royal court, including throne models, jewellery, and the 'Lion Throne' hall presentation. The galleries cover a wide range of subjects: prehistoric and archaeological finds from sites such as Pyu and Bagan, Buddhist sculpture and manuscripts, lacquerware, ceramics, textiles, musical instruments, and costumes and artefacts of the many ethnic groups of Myanmar. Other floors address modern history, political leaders and the independence movement, as well as natural history and fine art. The curatorial approach combines chronological and thematic organisation, with floors dedicated to different themes, and descriptive labels that are often bilingual in Burmese and English. Condition and display standards vary by gallery, and some areas show their age, although recent years have seen renovations and updated lighting. Photography may be restricted, and visitors may be asked to leave bags at the entrance. A visit gives context for the archaeological sites and pagodas elsewhere in the country. Admission is charged in kyat for foreign visitors, and the museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. It is on a main road, a short ride from downtown and Bogyoke Aung San Market, so it fits easily into a half-day itinerary.