Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The highlight is the spectacular 26ft-high, jewel-encrusted Sihasana (Lion Throne),
which belonged to King Thibaw Min, the last king of Myanmar. It's actually more of an
entrance doorway than a throne but let's not quibble - it's a damn sight more impressive
than your front door! Further signs that the kings of old didn't understand the meaning of
the word 'subtlety' are the ornate beds, silver and gold rugs, flashy palanquins (one of
which is palatial in its size and splendour), kitchen chairs made of ivory, some breathtak-
ing ceremonial dresses and a large collection of betel-nut holders and spittoons.
Newly on display is the permanent exhibition
The Vanishing Tribes of Burma
, 70 pho-
tographic images by Richard K. Diran, who spent 17 years documenting around 40 eth-
nic groups, some of whose way of life had been practically unchanged for centuries.
The upper floors are less impressive and take you on an amble through natural history,
prehistory and a very poorly lit art gallery. Look for the model of the colonial-era State
House demolished in 1978; the chandeliers that hang on each floor of the museum are all
that remain of it.
Mahabandoola Garden
PARK
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Mahabandoola Garden St, Kyauktada; 6am-6pm)
This recently revamped park of-
fers pleasant strolling in the heart of the downtown area and views of surrounding herit-
age buildings including
City Hall
, the
High Court
and the old
Rowe & Co
department
store.
GOOGLE MAP
,
a 165ft white obelisk surrounded by two concentric circles of
chinthe
(a
half-lion, half-dragon deity). There's also a good children's playground.
When laid out by the British in 1868, the park was called Fytche Sq after Sir Albert
Fytche, chief commissioner at the time. Later it was renamed Victoria Park to commem-
orate the queen whose statue used to stand where the Independence Monument is today.
After Independence, the park was renamed to honour General Thado Mahabandoola, a
Burmese hero who conquered Assam and died in action in the First Anglo-Burmese War
in 1824.
For a year or two following the 1988-90 prodemocracy uprisings, the park was occu-
pied by soldiers; many of the more violent events of the time took place nearby.
Ministers Office
HISTORIC BUILDING
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
