Varendra Research Museum, Rajshahi Travel Guide

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Explore ancient Bengal's rich history and cultural heritage at the Varendra Research Museum, the oldest museum in Bangladesh, located in Rajshahi.

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Varendra Research Museum

The Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi, established in 1910, is the oldest museum in Bangladesh. It showcases a rich collection of artifacts, sculptures, and historical documents, offering insights into the region's past.

A brief summary to Varendra Research Museum

9H8V+R2C, Rajshahi, Sheikhpara, BD

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Varendra Research Museum.

Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a more comfortable experience.
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the extensive collection.
Photography might be restricted, so check the museum's policy.

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Getting There

Walking

From Rajshahi Zero Point, walk approximately 600 meters west, then turn north. The museum is located next to Rajshahi College. Walking should take about 10-15 minutes. There is no cost for walking.
Public Transport

From Rajshahi Railway Station or the bus terminal, take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to the museum. The museum is located in the heart of the city, next to Rajshahi College. The cost for a bus is approximately 10-20 BDT, and an auto-rickshaw ride will cost around 50-80 BDT.
Taxi

Taxis and CNG auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Rajshahi. A taxi ride from Shah Makhdum Airport (RJH) to the museum, approximately 10 km away, will take around 20-30 minutes and cost approximately 200-300 BDT.

Discover more about Varendra Research Museum

Established in 1910, the Varendra Research Museum is the oldest museum in Bangladesh, maintained by Rajshahi University. The museum's origins lie with the Varendra Research Society, founded by Kumar Sarat Kumar Ray, Aksaya Kumar Maitreya, and Ramaprasad Chanda, who sought to preserve the region's rich cultural heritage. The museum's collection began with artifacts excavated from villages in the Varendra region, an ancient Janapada corresponding to modern northern Bangladesh.The museum's collection includes artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, statues, coins, and manuscripts. Highlights include artifacts from Mohenjodaro, 11th-century Buddha statues, and Mughal-era silver coins. The museum also houses a significant collection of Sanskrit manuscripts, covering topics such as Puranas, grammar, poetry, and medicine.Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, art, and ethnography. The museum plays a vital role in research and education, serving as a resource for academics, historians, and archaeologists. It hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Saturday to Wednesday. It remains closed on Thursdays, Fridays and University declared holidays.