National Museum of Bhutan.

Housed in the Ta Dzong, a striking 17th-century circular watchtower originally built to defend the valley, the National Museum of Bhutan is as much a historic landmark as it is a gallery. Opened in 1968, the museum showcases over 3,000 artifacts across multiple floors, bridging the gap between a cultural repository and a sacred space. Exhibits range from ancient thangkas, festival masks, and royal heirlooms to weapons, textiles, and natural history displays. Notably, several galleries feature display cases styled like traditional altars, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the objects. While photography is forbidden inside, the hilltop grounds offer expansive, camera-friendly views over Paro Valley and the nearby Rinpung Dzong, making this an essential first stop to understand Bhutan's heritage.