The National Museum in Paro is preparing to open its door after undergoing a major makeover since 2014. Visitors will be treated to a host of special exhibits holding both spiritual and political histories of Bhutan.
The revamped museum will have 1600 spiritual artefacts, legacies of regents and kings, and contemporary arts on display.
It records Bhutan’s journey from Zhabdrung’s period to the evolution of the Wangchuck Dynasty to a Constitutional Democracy.
“Amongst the most important ones, we have five artefacts as the highlights. For instance, the 1300 to 1400 years old statue of Kongtshen Deymo, the other is the Arrowhead of Pamo Atak Lumo, a female spiritual general of Ling Gayser Gyalpo,” Khenpo Phuntsok Tashi, the Director of the Museum said.
Other three highlights such as the Horse Egg, Magic Dragger and Sky Iron Thunderbolt will be exhibited as well.
The conservation work was initiated after an earthquake in 2011 left the seven-storey museum severely damaged. As part of the project, lights were installed that are designed to preserve the exhibits from UV rays, heat and other damages.
“We are currently working on the labels and captions comprising the origin of the artefacts and their spiritual significance. The explanations justify the cultural history of Bhutan,” Khenpo Phuntsok Tashi said.
“For example, an artefact can tell the time and culture of that period and the way people lived. Once those works are complete, the museum will be open for visitors.”
La Ngonpa Tenzin Drukda, the second Desi designed and built the 369-year-old watchtower.
It was converted to a museum in 1967.
