Supported by the UN cultural agency, Nepal’s quake-damaged museums re-open

The UN News Center

August 10, 2016

More than a year since the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in April and May 2015, through the combined work of the United Nations cultural agency and its partners, some of the country’s notable museums and institutions, including the National Museum, and the National Art Gallery are once again open and visitors are coming back to enjoy their rich collections.

“The rehabilitation of Nepal’s museums and historical buildings following the 2015 earthquake has a deep, positive impact on the economic and social development of the country,” said Christian Manhart, Director of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Kathmandu Office in a news release issued last week by the agency.

“There is a tremendous sense of identity, determination and hope that comes with the reopening of museums and the restoration of temples,” he added. The Patan Museum and the Panauti Museum are also re-opening.

The earthquake and series of aftershocks killed more than 8,700 people, injured more than 22,000, and destroyed or damaged more than 250,000 houses. The disaster also badly affected the landlocked country’s cultural and natural heritage: 691 historic buildings in 16 districts were damaged, of which 131 fully collapsed.

More here.