U.S. funds conservation of Lumbini Museum

December 11, Kathmandu: The U.S. Embassy in Nepal has allocated a $244,966 grant to conserve and preserve the Lumbini Museum’s valuable collection of ancient artefacts. The funding, provided through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), will also establish a state-of-the-art conservation lab in Lumbini.

The museum houses over 300 artefacts dating back to the 6th century BCE, including terracotta figurines, stone sculptures, coins, and other relics excavated from the sacred site.

Many of these artefacts are currently stored at the National Museum in Kathmandu due to limited conservation facilities at Lumbini, according to the press release issued by the Embassy.

“This project not only protects irreplaceable artefacts but also creates opportunities for innovation and collaboration that will position Nepal as a leader in cultural heritage conservation,” said U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Chief Michael Harker.

The new conservation lab will be the first of its kind in Lumbini Province and one of the first in Nepal. It will enable the study, preservation, and secure storage of artefacts from Lumbini and surrounding archaeological sites. Additionally, a comprehensive training program will be implemented to build local capacity in archaeological conservation.