Place

Varendra Research Museum

বরেন্দ্র রিসার্চ জাদুঘর

Bangladesh's oldest museum, packed with stone sculpture from the ancient Varendra region.

At a glance

Where: Rajshahi district, Rajshahi division
From Dhaka: 265 km to Rajshahi by road, 7–9 hours by bus or car
Entry / cost: Small ticket fee (approx.)
Best time: winter (Dec–Jan), spring (Feb–Mar), summer (Apr–May), monsoon (Jun–Jul), autumn (Aug–Sep) and late autumn (Oct–Nov)
Time needed: About 2 h

Times and costs are estimates from our planner and the prices we collected. Check before you go.

Founded in 1910 by local patrons and now run by Rajshahi University, the museum holds a rich collection of stone and bronze sculpture from the Pala and Sena periods. Galleries also display terracotta plaques, coins, inscriptions and old manuscripts gathered from across North Bengal. The red-brick building itself blends local and colonial styles. It is a good place to understand the history behind Paharpur, Mahasthangarh and other sites in the region.

How to get there

The museum is in central Rajshahi near Shaheb Bazar; any rickshaw driver will know it.

Good to know

Check the weekly closing day before you go. Photography rules can change, so ask at the desk.

Where to stay in Rajshahi

Common questions

Where is Varendra Research Museum?

Varendra Research Museum is in Rajshahi district, Rajshahi division, Bangladesh. Rajshahi is about 265 km from Dhaka by road.

How do you get to Varendra Research Museum from Dhaka?

First get to Rajshahi, roughly 7–9 hours from Dhaka by bus or car. Then: The museum is in central Rajshahi near Shaheb Bazar; any rickshaw driver will know it.

How much does it cost to visit Varendra Research Museum?

Small ticket fee (approx.).

When is the best time to visit Varendra Research Museum?

The best time is winter (Dec–Jan), spring (Feb–Mar), summer (Apr–May), monsoon (Jun–Jul), autumn (Aug–Sep) and late autumn (Oct–Nov). Allow about 2 h for the visit.