The National Museum in Yangon is worth a visit, if only to see the magnificent golden Lion Throne from the old Mandalay Royal Palace. The throne was one of nine that were contained in the palace, and the only one to survive. The rest of the thrones were destroyed when the British bombed the palace complex in World War II. Curiously, the throne survived thanks to the British, who had removed it to a museum in Calcutta, India in 1902. The throne was returned to Burma when it gained independence after the war.
Aside from the Lion Throne, which occupies its own purpose-built room on the ground floor, the museum also has extensive displays of royal regalia, ancient jewelry, and a gallery displaying the various traditional costumes of Myanmar's many national races.
Hours & Admission Fees
The museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission for foreigners is US$5 per person (including children).