Background

Lalbagh Fort Museum: A Glimpse into Mughal History

Explore Mughal artifacts and architecture at Dhaka's iconic Lalbagh Fort Museum, a window into Bengal's rich history.

4.5

Lalbagh Fort Museum, situated within the incomplete 17th-century Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers a captivating journey into the Mughal era. The museum showcases artifacts discovered during excavations, providing insights into the fort's history and the lives of its inhabitants.

A brief summary to Lalbagh Fort Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (November to March) for a more comfortable experience.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the fort complex and museum.
  • Dress modestly out of respect for local culture.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Old Dhaka, such as Ahsan Manzil and the Star Mosque.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From areas like Gulistan or New Market, take a local bus heading towards Lalbagh. Look for buses with signs indicating 'Lalbagh' or 'Sadarghat'. The bus fare is approximately 20 BDT. Alight near Lalbagh Road and walk towards Main Road, where the fort is located, about a 10-15 minute walk. Be mindful of traffic when crossing streets.

  • Rickshaw

    From Newmarket, Shahbagh, TSC, or Azimpur, a rickshaw ride to Lalbagh Fort is a convenient option. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically ranging from 60-80 BDT from New Market. Be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride through the narrow streets.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao are readily available in Dhaka. A taxi or ride-share from areas like Dhaka University or Sadarghat to Lalbagh Fort will cost approximately 150-300 BDT, depending on traffic and distance. This is a comfortable and relatively quick option.

Unlock the Best of Lalbagh Fort Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Lalbagh Fort Museum

Lalbagh Fort Museum is housed within the Lalbagh Fort, an impressive yet unfinished Mughal fort complex in Old Dhaka. Construction of the fort began in 1678 by Prince Muhammad Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, but was never completed. Today, the fort serves as a public museum and park, offering a glimpse into Mughal history and architecture. The museum itself displays a collection of Mughal-era artifacts, including miniature paintings, coins, carpets, calligraphy, swords, and firearms. These items offer insights into the lives and times of the Mughal rulers and the fort's inhabitants. Excavations around the fort have also revealed remains of additional buildings, water supply systems, and roof gardens, showcasing the advanced infrastructure of the era. Key structures within the fort complex include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), which houses the museum, the Tomb of Bibi Pari (daughter of Shaista Khan), and the Quilla Mosque. The Tomb of Bibi Pari is a notable structure with a white marble room and a central tomb. The Lalbagh Fort Mosque is a three-domed structure representing Mughal religious architecture. Visitors can also explore the fort's well-maintained gardens, providing a respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Lalbagh Fort's location on the banks of the Buriganga River was strategically important for defense, allowing the Mughals to control river traffic. Although the river has receded over time, the fort remains a significant historical and architectural landmark in Dhaka.

Popular Experiences near Lalbagh Fort Museum

Popular Hotels near Lalbagh Fort Museum

Select Currency