Bhutan is a nation that is unique in its culture and traditions. The history and culture of the nation is entwined with its music and art forms, all of which have been preserved in various forms for citizens and visitors alike. Known for its ancient monasteries, fortresses, and stunning landscapes, Bhutan is home to several museums, with the Simply Bhutan Museum being particularly notable. This unique living museum in Bhutan is designed to appear like a traditional Bhutanese village with real individuals who engage in day-to-day tasks. Visitors can witness people’s lives and work and gain insight into traditional arts and crafts.
Overview Of Simply Bhutan Museum
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Among the most famous museums in Bhutan is the Simply Bhutan Museum, located in Thimpu. This living museum in Bhutan has been designed along the lines of a traditional Bhutanese village. Those interested in learning about the culture of Bhutan should definitely make this a part of their travel itinerary. The museum brings to life the culture and traditions of the people and tourists can witness and experience this first hand in many ways. At the Simply Bhutan Museum, you are surrounded by years of tradition. You can see it through mundane and everyday things such as the brickwork for the museum, the tools and cookware on display, the art, the music, the enthralling dance performances, the furniture, the clothes, be it simple farming clothes or the more regal kind.
You also dive into and savour a selection of delectable Bhutanese cuisine and taste traditional dishes, elevating your experience further. One can wander through the living museum in Bhutan in the form of a village and watch people as they go about their day doing things the traditional Bhutanese way and enjoy the close-up experience. If you’re more adventurous and like to try new things, you can dress up in traditional Bhutanese clothing, practice archery or listen to the women sing traditional songs as they prepare to build houses out of rammed earth. And to quench your thirst, there is always a glass of local brew known as ‘arra’.
Must Read: Bhutan Villages
Simply Bhutan Museum Timings
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The Simply Bhutan Living Museum’s opening hours are worth noting. It is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day of the week, including on weekends. The winter opening hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is important to bear this in mind when planning a trip there. One should arrive early enough to allow for enough time to tour the museum.
Simply Bhutan Museum Ticket Price
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The Simply Bhutan Museum ticket price is 300 Nu, which is the equivalent of INR 300 or approximately 3.5 USD. This includes the cost of a drink and visits to other sectors. For most visitors, this is reasonably priced, considering the wonderful hands-on experience of Bhutan that it provides.
Suggested Read: Temples In Bhutan
Other Museums In Bhutan
Apart from the unique living museum in Bhutan, the country showcases its history, cultural traditions, and more through various other museums. For museum enthusiasts, some museums in Bhutan that will definitely be of interest have been highlighted.
1. National Museum Of Bhutan
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This museum is located in Paro, a cultural museum and an important educational resource. It is in an old watchtower redesigned to accommodate the museum. The design of the building is believed to mimic the union of the sun and the crescent moon and is believed to be a representation of victory. The stone walls of this structure are 2.5 metres thick, making them impenetrable. The construction of this building was done with a remarkable level of masonry. A diverse range of cultures and relics that date back to 4000 BCE can be found within its walls. The most unusual artefact found in the National Museum of Bhutan is the egg laid by a mule, a horse horn that is believed to be associated with the Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 500 and 500 Nu per person
Days open: 7 days a week
2. Bhutan Postal Museum
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Among the other museums in Bhutan, this is truly unique. The museum first opened its doors in 2015 and has grown to be a major tourist attraction. It is located in Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. The museum showcases the progression of transportation, telecommunication, and postal services in Bhutanese history and provides a rather nostalgic look at how these have evolved over time. For those with a penchant for collectable arts and immersing themselves in the knowledge of diverse cultures worldwide, the Bhutan Postal Museum provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The museum is divided into several galleries that bring to light various aspects of post and communication. For example, Gallery 1 is currently devoted to the honour of the 4th Dragon King and showcases stamp releases and pieces highlighting national holidays. Gallery 2 highlights the postal age and the process of communication. In Gallery 3, the focus is on the evolution of the postal system to smartphones, radiotelegraphy, etc.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 1 pm Saturday
Entry Fee: INR 150
Days open: Monday to Saturday ( closed on Sunday)
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3. Folk Heritage Museum
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This museum in Thimphu gives visitors a glimpse into Bhutanese materialistic culture and the lifestyle of the people. The museum is home to an extensive collection of traditional home products, including utensils and antiques from rural life. In addition, the museum hosts exhibitions of craftsmanship and customs to enable outsiders to learn about them. The museum successfully recreates a remote setting of a typical Bhutanese household and showcases the various seasonal activities. There is always something new on display, so those who visit more than once are never disappointed; there is an opportunity to learn something from each visit. Some of the interesting activities that one can come across are Markhu Tsene (traditional methods of producing oil), brewing area ( a commonly consumed local alcohol), Zaw (roasting rice) and Tham Dhungni (pounding rice).
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays / closed on Sunday
Entry Fee: INR 200 per person
Days Open: Monday To Saturday (closed on Sunday)
4. National Institute For Zorig Chusum
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Throughout the history of Bhutan, several ancient and traditional arts and crafts have been closely woven into the tapestry of Bhutanese culture. These have contributed greatly to shaping the history of the land. A visit to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum is a must to learn more about these ancient practices. This museum, commonly known as the painting school, offers four to six-year training in the country’s traditional arts. Among the traditional arts are painting, wood carving, embroidery, sculpting, and pottery, which are taught there. Visitors can watch students as they practise. The students are highly skilled artisans who produce exquisite work, which is exhibited and sold in the school gallery. This is one of the few museums where camera-happy visitors can have a field day.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday (closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Entry Fee: INR 100 per person
Days open: Monday to Saturday (closed on Sunday)
Further Read: Tourist Places In Bhutan
A visit to the beautiful country of Bhutan is never complete until one has hands-on experience of its culture and traditions and has opened a window into its remarkable history. When planning your trip to Bhutan, one must always leave room for Simply Bhutan museum, as these mirror the way of life of the present and the past. It is time to take the plunge and plan a trip to this wonderful country and savour all that it offers every visitor to the land.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Simply Bhutan Museum
Where are the most famous museums in Bhutan located?
The most famous museums are found in various cities or towns such as Paro and Thimpu among others.
What can one find in museums in Bhutan?
Museums in Bhutan offer visitors an insight into culture, tradition, history, the effect of modernisation, traditional forms of medicine and more.
Is photography permitted in museums in Bhutan?
Many museums do not allow photography. It is advisable to check online or enquire at the entrance before going ahead and clicking photographs.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best time to visit Bhutan is in spring from March to May or in autumn from September to November.
Is there any cafe or restaurant inside the Simply Bhutan Museum?
Yes, the museum has a small cafe/restaurant where visitors can enjoy coffee, tea and taste traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
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