YANGON, May 18 (Xinhua) -- On Sunday, the eve of International Museum Day, the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon came alive with visitors exploring Myanmar's cultural heritage and the value of preserving history for future generations.
Inside the five-story museum, students, families, teachers and foreign visitors moved through galleries filled with royal thrones, ancient stone inscriptions, traditional clothing, paintings and archaeological treasures that trace Myanmar's history from ancient kingdoms to the modern era.
For many young visitors, the experience offered something increasingly rare in the digital age: the chance to encounter history firsthand rather than through screens.
Khine Thazin Soe, who visited the museum with friends during the school holidays, said seeing ancient objects in person made history feel more real.
"I had only seen these things in videos before," she said. "Now I can see them with my own eyes, including the kings' clothes and utensils used in ancient times."
She said museums help bridge the gap between generations by preserving knowledge of earlier eras.
"Every era is different, so museums are very helpful for understanding what happened in the past," she told Xinhua.
Among the exhibits that drew her attention were ancient stone inscriptions displayed alongside translations that help visitors understand their historical significance, she said.
"We can learn about history, culture and how people lived in ancient times," she added.
The museum also attracted educators who see museums as important learning spaces beyond the classroom.
Ma Khin Pyae Sone, a 26-year-old freelance teacher in Yangon, brought her students to encourage their interest in history and cultural heritage.
"They only know about the present era, so I wanted them to learn about ancient times too," she said.
She added that students become more engaged when they can directly experience the objects they study in textbooks.
One of her students, 17-year-old Eaint Nadi Tun, said the visit deepened her interest in history. "I saw paintings, looms and thrones, and I learned a lot about history," she said.
She also noted the importance of protecting historical artifacts, saying restrictions on touching exhibits and photography are necessary to preserve cultural heritage.
"I think it is important for young people to know about their ancient heritage," she added.
Foreign visitors were also among those exploring the museum ahead of International Museum Day.
Natalia, a 47-year-old visitor from Russia, praised the museum's spacious galleries and diverse collections.
"It is my first time visiting the museum. There are a lot of interesting artifacts here," she said.
She also said that museums are very important for the public. "It's about the culture of the country. It's very important for education, and for young people and for historians."
Daw Mi Mi Lay, assistant director at the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon, said the museum's mission is to help both local and international visitors better understand Myanmar's historical and cultural heritage.
"Our museum showcases Myanmar's historical and cultural heritage," she said. "We help young people and the public learn about and appreciate our heritage."
The museum displays artifacts, artworks, historic memorabilia, traditional clothing, handicrafts, religious objects and historical documents collected from across the country.
Daw Mi Mi Lay added that preserving and displaying these collections helps instill appreciation for the country's cultural heritage and a sense of patriotism in younger generations.
"Foreign visitors can also study the continuous history of Myanmar from ancient times to the present day," she told Xinhua.
Myanmar currently has 32 museums across the country, including national, cultural, archaeological and memorial museums, she said.
Myanmar officially joined the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 2016 and has marked International Museum Day on May 18 annually since 2017 on a rotating basis between the National Museum in Yangon and the National Museum in Nay Pyi Taw.
This year's International Museum Day event was held in Nay Pyi Taw on Monday under the theme "Museums Uniting a Divided World," highlighting the role museums play in promoting cultural understanding, preserving shared heritage and connecting communities across generations. ■
