# National Museum of Myanmar (Naypyidaw)

The National Museum of Myanmar (Naypyidaw) (Burmese: အမျိုးသားပြတိုက် (နေပြည်တော်)) is a modern museum located near the Kumudra circle, in Ottarathiri Township, Naypyidaw, Myanmar (Burma). Besides the older National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, it is the second of the two national museums for Burmese art, history and culture in Myanmar.
The construction of the museum was started on 3 June 2010, and the museum was opened on 15 July 2015. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, except on Mondays and public holidays.

## Objectives and major tasks

The objectives of the National Museum (Naypyidaw) are:
* To elucidate the country's rich and advanced cultural heritage;
* To showcase a high standing of national honor;
* To elaborate natural soft power achievement;
* To show systematic and competent management with a spectacular modern touch, reflecting the national pride and prestige of the country
Moreover, the National Museum's major tasks are the following:
* Collection of museum objects
* Preservation and conservation of museum objects
* Research and publications
* Object displays and exhibitions (permanent and temporary)
* Public education and public relations for the purpose of community engagement

## Galleries

The total plot area of the museum is 35.19 acres (14.24 ha), and the museum has five wings: A,B,C,D and E. The entrance hall A includes a small theatre, VIP reception rooms, a room displaying gifts to the president, historic cars, as well as public areas.

### Primates and Fossils Exhibition Room

This exhibition room displays fossils of Pondaung formation, petrified plants found in Pondaung formation and Irrawaddy sedimentary formation. The display highlights the fact that Myanmar civilization developed uninterruptedly and Myanmar is one of the original places of homo sapiens. Anthropologist the world over agree that Myanmar's humanoid primate display at the exhibition room is one of the most preeminent collection of anthropoid primates.

### Prehistoric Period Exhibition Room

In this exhibition room, tools, weapons and utensils from Myanmar Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age are displayed. Miniature replicas of Padah-Lin Caves are displayed with supporting special lighting and models. The center piece of the display is a miniature replica of the Bronze Age excavation site, with supporting objects, such as pots, urns, beads and bronze weapons.

### Protohistoric Period Exhibition Room

Small scale models and architectural elements of UNESCO's World Heritage listed Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra Pyu cities and other early Myanmar city states from all over the country are on show in this room. Moreover, five Pyu figurines, as well as gold, silver, bronze and earthen artifacts from excavated sites are displayed in this exhibition room.

### Historic Period Exhibition Room

In this exhibition room, miniature replicas of religious structures, architecture, cultural artifacts and religious objects are displayed. The center piece of the display is Bagan architecture, showing religious buildings, wall paintings, frescoes, masonry and ceramic works.

### Lion Throne Exhibition Room

This large hall is dedicated to a complete replica of the only existing Lion Throne of the kings of Burma, along with replicas of royal as well as non-royal regalia.

### Myanmar Art Gallery

The display of Myanmar paintings includes old traditional paintings, wall paintings of successive eras, Jataka epic paintings and masterpieces of important artists. It is divided into old genre paintings, classic, modern and contemporary paintings.

### Myanmar Performing Arts Exhibition Room

This exhibition room displays Myanmar dramatic art, a Myanmar traditional orchestra and a miniature theatre stage according to tradition. Myanmar traditional musical instruments, and various musical instruments of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bama, Mon, Rakhine and Shan national ethnic groups are also displayed.

### Arts and Crafts Exhibition Room

This room focuses on traditional arts and crafts, such as artistic gold or silver smithing, bronze casting, masonry and bricklaying, making sculptures of stone, metal or wood, as well as painting and lacquerware.

### ASEAN Exhibition Room

Displays of traditional costumes, musical instruments, landmarks and other items of ASEAN countries

### Children Discovery Exhibition Room

Natural history, Myanmar history and cultural activities such as traditional games and festivals are exhibited for children.