July 27, 2025

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum is a monumental gateway into the royal history of the Kathmandu Valley. Located within the sprawling Hanuman Dhoka complex in Kathmandu Durbar Square, this museum occupies a former royal palace used by Malla and Shah kings for centuries. With its blend of architecture, regal artifacts, and ancient courtyards, the museum captures the splendor and complexity of Nepal’s dynastic past.

Exhibits include personal belongings of kings and queens, royal thrones, historical documents, ceremonial weapons, and centuries-old furniture. Highlights include the coronation pavilion, portraits of Nepal’s monarchs, and the private quarters of King Tribhuvan, who played a pivotal role in Nepal’s transition to democracy.

The museum’s architecture is just as compelling. Wooden balconies, tiered pagodas, and ornate courtyards like Mul Chowk and Nasal Chowk transport visitors into a living heritage site where history is not just observed—but felt. The resident deity Hanuman, whose statue guards the main gate, adds a mythic layer to the visit.

For travelers interested in Nepal’s monarchy, architecture, or ceremonial culture, this museum is an ideal stop—especially when paired with a stroll through the atmospheric lanes of the old city.