Photo: Aashaa, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Varendra Research Museum
About Varendra Research Museum
The Varendra Research Museum was founded in 1910 by the Varendra Research Society, a group of local scholars and patrons who set out to collect and study the antiquities of the Varendra region, the historic name for north-west Bengal. Since 1964 it has been run by the University of Rajshahi.
The galleries hold stone and bronze sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain deities, terracotta plaques, coins, inscriptions and old manuscripts. Many pieces come from sites in the region, including the great monastery at Paharpur, so a visit here adds real depth to a trip to the ruins themselves.
The red-brick building, with its blend of local and colonial styles, sits in the heart of Rajshahi city. It is compact and easy to see at a relaxed pace. On private tours of Rajshahi, Evergreen Bangladesh Tours often visits the museum before heading out to Puthia or the ancient sites of Naogaon.
Things to do
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Sculpture galleries
See finely carved stone images of Vishnu, Surya, the Buddha and other figures from the Pala and Sena periods.
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Coins and inscriptions
Displays trace the region’s rulers through coins and inscribed stones.
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Prepare for Paharpur
Look at the terracotta plaques here before visiting the monastery ruins to the north.
Getting there
In Rajshahi: The museum is in the city centre, a short rickshaw or car ride from most hotels.
From Dhaka: Fly to Rajshahi (under an hour), take an intercity train, or drive, which takes most of a day.
Where to stay
Any hotel in central Rajshahi puts you within easy reach of the museum.
Tours that visit Varendra Research Museum
Holiday Tours
Ten Days Across Bangladesh
from $800 per person
Questions
Is the Varendra Research Museum the oldest in Bangladesh?
Yes, it was founded in 1910 and is generally regarded as the country’s oldest museum.
How long does a visit take?
One to two hours is enough for most visitors.
Is photography allowed?
Rules can change; ask at the entrance before taking photos inside.
What are the opening days?
They vary and the museum closes on some days, so check locally before visiting.