Government of Nepal

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Hanumandhoka Durbar Museum Development Committee

Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu

Introduction

Hanumandhoka Durbar square is the center of cultural and historical core of Kathmandu valley. The Hanumandhoka  Durbar square is famous for its historical heritage and monuments specially for hanumandhoka palace which was the residence and administrative center from ancient times. An office  named Hanumandhoka Durbar harecha Adda (Hanumandhoka palace management and conservation office) was established by Nepal Government for conservation and restoration of the Hanumandhoka palace and it's historical arts, crafts and monuments under the Cultural, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry .

With span of centuries the present Hanumandhoka Palace complex and others monuments were built between the 15th century to 20th century. Every king from Ratna Malla to Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah added to the palace or at least repaired or renovated some parts of it, but the most important contribution were those of Mahendra Malla, Pratap Malla and Prithivi Narayan Shah. Mahendra Malla who minted the coins, few changes were made to the Palace and built Kotilingeshvar, Jagannath, Taleju and Mahendreshvar temples which still stands today. Pratap Malla built many monuments such as image of Hanuman, Kalvairab, Swaitvairab and famous Sundari Chowk and Mohankali Chowk. King Prithivi Narayan Shah built Basantapur Nine Storied Palace in this complex. They are the unique creation of Malla and Shah Dynasties. Representing as a open air museum here are more than ten courtyards. Four courtyards have been already opened for general public. Now three memorial museum galleries and many sections have been exihibited with basic amenities to the general public as well as tourists.