Ahsan Manzil

Ahsan Manzil, one of the historical places in Bangladesh, is situated at Kumartoli along the banks of the Buriganga River in Bangladesh. The construction of this palace was started in the year 1859 and was completed in 1869. The palace became the Bangladesh National Museum on 20 September 1992 to preserve the cultural and history of the area.

The whole palace of Ahsan Manzil is divided into two parts. One is the eastern side which is called the Rangmahal and another is western side which is called Andarmahal. The height of the ground floor is about 5 meters and the height of the first floor is about 5.8 meters. The thickness of the walls of the palace is about 0.78 meters. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying of traits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab. The total area of acquired land was 5.65 acres. A museum has been established there. The building has a broad front-facing the Buriganga River.

Basically, it was the residence of the Nawabs. Nawab Abdul Gani renovated this building in the year 1872 and named it after his son Khaza Ahasanullah. Todays renovated Ahsan Manjil a monument of immense historical beauty.

The high octagonal dome is placed on the central round room. There is a large drawing room, card room, library, state room and two other guest rooms are located on the east side of the palace. The ballroom, the Hindustani room and few residential rooms are situated on the western side. A beautiful vaulted artificial ceiling, made of wood, decorates the drawing room and the Jalsaghar. A splendid dining hall and few smaller rooms are placed on the west part. The floors of the dining and darbar halls are decorated with white, green and yellow colored ceramic tiles. The verandas and rooms are covered with marble. The architecture and the decoration is one of a kind in whole Bangladesh.

Now visitors have much opportunity to visit the beautiful restored and preserved Ahsan Manzil. Museum is the much attraction of this palace, and it bears the historical elements.

The communication system of this palace is very good. If someone wants to visit the palace he can go there by CNG, or rickshaw. First he has to visit Sodorgat, then he can go there easily.  

Open 9 am- 5 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 3-5 pm on Friday. Thursday is close.