Loading...The Taka Museum was established on October 5, 2013, under the initiative of the Bangladesh Bank to preserve the currency history of Bangladesh and the world, and to highlight the heritage and development of coins to the general public. It is the first of its kind in the country, located on the second floor of the Bangladesh Bank Training Academy in Mirpur, Dhaka.
The walls of the museum are adorned with rows of coins, beautifully designed currency, and old coins. Although most of these coins are no longer in circulation, they hold significant antique value. The museum showcases almost all the currencies that have circulated in this region from ancient times. This is the only Taka Museum in Bangladesh, located on the second floor of the Bangladesh Bank Training Academy in Mirpur, Sector 2.
The museum is divided into two galleries. The first gallery features the oldest printed coins in the region. These coins are distinguished by the imprint of various symbols. Made from silver, these coins began circulating in the 6th century BC. Many such coins have been found in Mahasthangarh and Wari-Bateshwar in Narsingdi district of Bangladesh.
The museum also holds many rare coins, including those from the Gupta period, post-Gupta Bengal coins, silver coins used in the Harikel Kingdom from the 7th to 9th centuries, and various coins used in Bengal from ancient times to the first half of the 19th century, including brass coins before the metal coins were introduced. Additionally, all the currencies ever circulated in Bangladesh are displayed here.
Coins from about 120 countries around the world are also displayed. The methods of currency exchange and storage in Bengal are illustrated through three visual representations (Dioramas).
The second gallery showcases coins from various countries, along with a photo kiosk. Visitors can have their photos inserted into a one lakh Taka note for just 50 Taka. However, the note is commemorative and not exchangeable. It is purely for souvenir purposes.
The entire museum employs state-of-the-art technology. Digital signage, kiosks, LED TVs, 3D TVs, projectors, and photo kiosks are some of the key features. There is also a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase various memorabilia.
The curator of the Taka Museum, Rezaul Karim, mentioned that the museum currently operates in a 6,000-square-foot space. Soon, the museum will be expanded to the third floor of the building.
Coins and Coin-Related Artifacts
The Taka Museum houses a collection of around 3,000 ancient coins from various countries. The process of collecting these old coins is ongoing. The museum has two galleries. Gallery 1 displays coins from various ruling periods of the subcontinent, while Gallery 2 features coins from current times, including those from Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Japan, the United States, England, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and many other countries. In addition to coins, the museum displays artifacts made from ancient coins, such as jewelry, wooden boxes used for coin storage, iron coin banks, and iron chests. Also, clay pots used for grain storage are displayed in the museum.
Paper Notes
The museum also holds a collection of paper notes from various countries and different time periods. Among them are notes from the former Soviet Union, former Czechoslovakia, pre-World War II Japanese dollars, Italy, the former divided Germany, Afghanistan, China, Latin America, Hungary, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and Communist-era Poland. Additionally, paper notes from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are displayed here.
Commemorative Coins for Important Events
In honor of various significant events in Bangladesh’s history, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the commemoration of notable figures, 11 commemorative coins and 3 commemorative notes have been minted. These are given special importance and displayed in the museum.
Address of Taka Museum:
Bangladesh Bank Training Academy, (Second Floor)
Mirpur 2, Dhaka.
Visiting Hours:
The museum is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
On Fridays, it is open from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The museum remains closed on Thursdays.
Ticket Information:
There is no entry fee for visiting the Taka Museum.
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