History 

Built in 1649 AD by the 1st Paro Penlop La Ngoenpa Tenzin Drukdra, the primary function of the fort was for defense.

In 1968, the 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ordered for it to be converted into a museum .

The National Museum

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Each of the 6 floors consists of the following :- 

1. First floor

- This gallery comprise of traditional weapons, Guns, pistols and cannons captured during the wars and gifts from foreign diplomats

- There is also a section of bamboo and Cane products

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2. The Second floor

- Collection of Bhutanese Stamps

-There is a unqiue collection of stamp that plays the national anthem 

- Collection and development of Bhutanese coins

- A section displays Jewelleries and ornaments such as Koma, Jabtha , tingkhap etc..

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3. Third floor  

- Floor dedicated to the Bhutanese Monarchy it showcases the personal belongings of the kings such as Radio and Pen of the Third Druk Gyalpo 

- The inner chamber has collection of items carved from materials such as ivory and sandalwood. 

-The floor also consists of costumes worn by people of different regions.

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4. Fourth floor 

- One can see earthen ware pots collected from different parts of Bhutan 

- there is a three-dimensional mandala known as 'Jathruel Zhithro Kilkhor ' which literally means miraculous manifestations of Peaceful and wrathful deities.

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5. Fifth Floor 

The 5th floor is the chapel of the Wealth Deity.

The Namsay Phodrang is located inside the inner chamber. It is dedicated to Gyalpo Namthose of the North.

The outer gallery displays thangka. 

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6. Sixth Floor

- Is the Tshongzhi Lhakhang. It comprises a 3 dimensional mandala representing 4 major school of Tibetan Buddhism.

- It was created by prominent master Lopen Damchoe and his apprentice artisans in 1968.

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