In the Birthplace

of the Buddha

a Museum

comes to Life

Currently under renovation, the Lumbini Museum will be a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the early life of the Historical Buddha and his journey to enlightenment. In Phase One of its development, a 1970s barrel-vaulted brick structure designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange is being re-imagined for a contemporary experience.

The Museum

Lumbini and the Buddha’s Natal Landscape

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Late 1970s
Kenzo Tange designs the Lumbini Masterplan including the existing museum building
1990
Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee conducts the groundbreaking ceremony for the Museum, which is subsequently built with the help of the Indian government.
Dec 1, 2004
Nepali PM Sher Bahadur Deuba inaugurates the Museum, in the presence of the Indian Minister-of-State for External Affairs Rao Inderjit Singh. This takes place during the 2nd World Buddhist Summit that was being held in Lumbini at that time.
Sep 1, 2018
New Beginnings
The Lumbini Development Trust and the Buddha Foundation signed an Agreement wherein the government entrusted Buddha Foundation with the responsibility and right to design, construct, finance, own and operate the Lumbini Museum for the next 35 years.
Apr 25, 2019
The Launch
The Lumbini Museum team presents plans to various stakeholders. Key Speakers included: H.E. Dzongsar Kheyntse Rinpoche and Vice Chairman of LDT Sakkyaputta Metteya.
Oct 19, 2019
Presenting Lumbini in Myanmar
H.E. Right Honorable President of Nepal Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandhari inaugurates a travelling Exhibit on Lumbini, curated by the Lumbini Museum team, at Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda,
Oct 20, 2019
Auspicious Donation
Venerable Ashin Nyanissara donates 29 Buddha Statues to the Lumbini Museum. The sculptures were received by Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust Mr. Gyanin Rai and Treasurer Surendra Muni Sakya.
Oct 24, 2019
Introducing the Museum in Myanmar
Key Speaker: Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko
Jan 1, 2020
Restoring the Tange Building
Retrofitting begins at the Lumbini Museum. First step is to remove and replace the exisiting waterproofing membrane.
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As from a heap of flowers many a garland is made, even so many good deeds should be done by one born a mortal.

The Buddha, Dhammapada 53