Bangladesh Folk Art & Craft Foundation, Art museum in Sonargaon, Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Folk Art and Craft Foundation sits in a stately building with elaborate plasterwork and traditional architectural features that house several exhibition galleries. The rooms display a broad collection of objects made from wood, clay, fabric, and handcrafted boat models from various regions.
The building was constructed in 1901 as a residence for a wealthy Hindu landowner and displays European palace influences in its design. A painter named Joynul Abedin opened the foundation there in 1975 to preserve traditional art forms from being forgotten.
The place displays handcraft traditions passed down through generations, including intricately woven textiles and hand-shaped ceramics. Visitors can observe how these techniques shape the region's identity and remain alive in everyday objects.
The museum is reachable by bus from Dhaka and sits about 40 minutes away near Sonargaon. Plan to arrive in the morning since it closes at midday on certain weekdays, and wear comfortable shoes to explore the different exhibition areas.
The grounds contain several lakes where visitors can take boat rides and fish, adding a landscape element to the museum experience. An adjacent marketplace sells traditional Jamdani saris, which are world-known fabrics with intricate patterns.
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