Folk Arts and Crafts Museum, Sonargaon
A museum of Bengal's folk crafts set in a restored zamindar mansion with gardens and a lake.
The Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation was set up in 1975 at the urging of the painter Zainul Abedin, who wanted to preserve the country's rural crafts. Its museum occupies the beautifully restored Bara Sardar Bari, an early 20th-century mansion, along with a second gallery building.
Inside are nakshi kantha quilts, terracotta, wood carving, brass and copper ware, masks, musical instruments and traditional costumes. The large grounds include a lake with boats, a craft village where artisans sell their work and shady gardens perfect for a picnic. A month-long folk fair is usually held here in winter.
How to go
From Narayanganj town go to Mograpara (30-40 min, 50-150 BDT), then a rickshaw or battery auto to the museum (10 min, 30-50 BDT). Panam Nagar is a short walk or rickshaw ride away.
Where to stay
Day trip from Dhaka, or resorts around Sonargaon (3,000-12,000 BDT).
