The National Museum of Ta Dzong in Paro has been seeing fewer visitors since its re-opening in 2020. The museum underwent a major renovation after the dzong suffered damage due to an earthquake in 2011. The museum exhibits some of the historical, rare, and crucial artefacts of the country.
Going by the records with the museum, only about 2,000 Bhutanese visited the museum last year. According to the officials, they were expecting some 3,000 visitors every month.
“The National Museum is open every day. But we receive only about 10 people in a day and sometimes not even a single visitor. We don’t know whether people are not interested or are unaware of the museum’s existence,” said Phendey Lekshey Wangchuk, the director of the National Museum.
But officials are putting in an effort to attract local visitors. They are planning to open the museum during weekends and government holidays.
Similarly, they are trying to do away with the nominal fee of Nu 50 for the Bhutanese.
“The museum has 20 galleries showcasing rare artefacts, ranging from religious items, arts and crafts, and portraits of the monarchs. Visiting the museum will provide information and knowledge to both young and old,” said Phendey Lekshey Wangchuk.
He also said the situation is no different in museums in other parts of the country including the one in Trongsa.
The Ta Dzong in Paro was built in 1649 as a watch tower and His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo converted it into a Museum in 1968.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Tshering Zam
