Varendra Research Museum

About Us

The Varendra Research Museum, part of the University of Rajshahi, is home to a unique collection of Bengali art that spans centuries of history, boasting rare and aesthetic specimens. As Bangladesh's oldest museum, it holds a special place in the cultural landscape of Rajshahi City and is recognized as a pioneer institution in the Indian sub-continent. Renowned as a leading museum in South-East Asia, the Varendra Research Society and Museum was founded in 1910 by three distinguished...

The Varendra Research Museum, part of the University of Rajshahi, is home to a unique collection of Bengali art that spans centuries of history, boasting rare and aesthetic specimens. As Bangladesh's oldest museum, it holds a special place in the cultural landscape of Rajshahi City and is recognized as a pioneer institution in the Indian sub-continent. Renowned as a leading museum in South-East Asia, the Varendra Research Society and Museum was founded in 1910 by three distinguished intellectuals: Kumar Sarat Kumar Ray, Akshay Kumar Maitra, and Rama Prasad Chanda.nOperating solely on private initiative, without government patronage, these visionaries established the museum to explore, collect, preserve, and research archaeological and anthropological evidence related to the ancient and medieval history of Bengal. The museum's location in the historically significant Varendra region, known for its rich archaeological ruins and cultural artifacts, adds to its significance as a repository of invaluable heritage.nThe institution's primary objectives include the collection, preservation, and exhibition of source materials—both archaeological and literary—for the study and research of Bengal's history, art, and architecture. By focusing on the Varendra region, the museum plays a vital role in reconstructing the cultural and historical narrative of North Bengal, offering a glimpse into the region's illustrious past through its extensive collections and scholarly endeavors.