National Museum
established in 1928
It is worthwhile to visit even though it is not in the best shape.
Located a few minutes walk down from the famous Swoyambhunath stupa, chhauni. You can reach it easily by road if you have a vehicle or by tuk tuk. Buses are always available but make many detours. It is open every day from 9.30 AM to 4 PM in summer season and in winter season from 9.30 AM to 3 PM. But don't go on Sunday, Monday and government holidays, because then its closed..
The Museum is considered the most important museum in Nepal. It consists of the main historical building the naturalist gallery displaying objects of natural history and the fauna of Nepal, the" juddha jatiya kala shala" or pottery's gallery and the Buddhists gallery
Main historical building
There you can admire animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger and various carnivorous and herbivorous animals besides of reptiles and birds. If you want you can also admire very ancient ceramics dating from 800 BC and prehistoric tools from Nepal. A sign of our own old culture. In another gallery you can see on display the portraits of all monarchs of the SHAH dynasty and if you are Newari you can also have a look at the last Malla ruler. If you feel good with weapons you have a chance as well.
Of course the portraits of the Rana Prime Minister are not missing. You are interested in coins? You'll find a big collection there, starting from the thirteenth century and the first silver Mohar of medieval Nepal. If you are a collector of stamps you will get ideas from this museum too.
Juddha Jatiya Kalashala
It represents the various disciplines of Nepalese art. Different sections are organized according to the field of the art i.e. stone, wood, bronze, painting, terracotta and auspicious lamps. Among the most interesting items found in this collection is the very rare and famous antique Farsi script Shahanama of which only two are existing.
Buddhism Art Gallery
This beautiful building is surrounded by green lush on its sides and is a typical example of architecture with carved windows and struts supporting the roof. It contains all scripts, ornaments and art items for anyone with interest in Buddhism.
If you want to spent money extra you can buy whatever is available as replicas of the famous icons, postcards of the best painting and pieces of wood, stone, bronze, terracotta
Art work.
Other
Even though their money is scarce they plan to open an exhibition on coins and currencies as well as the lifestyle of late king Birendra. But that may take until beginning of early 2006.

The Natural History Museum
established in 1975
it is worthwhile to visit
Situated at the southern foothills of Swoyambhunath, the museum is a window to the natural history of Nepal. You can reach it easily by road if you have a vehicle or by tuk tuk. Buses are also available but make many detours. It is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM in summer season and in winter season from 10 AM to 4 PM. But don't go on Saturday and government holidays, because then it's closed.

One of the most important objectives is to impart knowledge and nurture appreciation of Nepal's natural history The museum has a size able collection of different species of animals, butterflies and plants. The special feature of this museum is a serial display of diverse life specie from prehistoric shells to the stuffed animals, birds, crocodiles and many other interesting exhibits. Most of the collections are from Nepal and show the richdom of Nepal's naturals animals and plants resources
If you have a family it's attractive to go there and use the services of the Managing Director or his staff who are very ready to give you any information on the subject.
Hanumandhoka Palace Complex:

This grand medieval palace complex, in addition to its architectural importance and grandeur, is also the heartbeat of medieval and modern history of Nepal. In tune with its historic ambience, three separate museums of historic importance are located inside the Palace complex. One single entry ticket entitles the visit to all the museums and they remain open on all weekdays except Saturdays and government holidays.

Patan Museum
originaly established in 1965 as National Bronze Museum and repositioned and renamed in 1997Located in the palace complex of Patan Durbar Square the Museum is very easy reachable with any public transport. The Patan Museum is a home to some of the unique medieval works in bronze. It is run by a board and not by the government. In summer it is open from 10 AM. to 6 PM. and in winter it is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is open every day except in Dashain-3 days, Tihar-2 days, Krishna astami and holi.
The Patan Museum displays the traditional sacred art of Nepal in an industrious architectural setting. Its home is an old residential court of Patan Durbar, one of the royal palaces of the former Malla kings of the Kathmandu valley. Its gilded door and window face one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
The museum's exhibits cover a long span of Nepal's cultural history and some rare objects of the culture of Buddhism and Hinduism stemming from the 7th century are among its treasures. Their meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained, unfortunately mostly in English only. Most of the objects are cast bronzes and gilt copper repousse work, traditional crafts for which Patan is famous.
The buildings of the museum itself are history as they go back in its present form to the early 17th century.
The Museum is managed, as a modern museum should be. It has a restaurant, a gift shop and a small garden with sitting benches allowing families to pass an afternoon together away from the television.

Hanumandhoka Palace Complex:

Without seeing Hanumandhoka Palace you miss a unique chance to get to learn about Nepal's history.
Established 30 years ago it is the heartbeat of the history of Nepal beginning with the first of the actual dynasty. The grand medieval palace complex is only a historical monument but in addition it is of architectural importance and grandeur. In tune with its historic ambience, three separate museums of historic importance are located inside the Palace complex. One single entry ticket entitles the visit to all the museums and they remain open on all weekdays except Saturdays and government holidays. For Nepali people it is interesting to visit not only because of the impressive contents but also to meet foreigners which are especially in this place very open for contacts and talks.

The Tribhuvan Museum:
The museum is specially designed to display all the events, personal belongings, mementos of the late H.M.King Tribhuvan (1906 - 1955). He is fondly remembered as the father of the nation as he was primarily instrumental in ushering democracy in Nepal in 1951. The museum has a rare collection of photos, paintings / portraits of Royal family members.

The Mahendra Museum:
The museum vividly sheds light on the late king Mahendra (1920 1972 AD). The exhibits include remake of his cabinet room, office chamber and his personal belongings including walls, decorations, stamps and coins. As he is fondly remembered as a poet-king, his original writing ambience and personal notes and manuscripts are displayed here.

The Birendra Museum:
This museum is a recent addition in the Palace complex. This museum particularly contains the personal possessions of the present monarch, His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah, including royal attires that he had donned during various state and historic occasions. Also on display are gifts,. medals, honorary titles received from other head of states and other interesting memorabilia.