Barisal Divisional Museum

The Barishal Divisional Museum is located in Barishal District, Bangladesh. The idea of establishing the museum came from renovating the historic Collectorate Building, which was originally constructed in 1821. Over time, the building became unsafe; in 1979, the Public Works Department declared it unsuitable for use, and in 1984 it was officially abandoned. However, in 2003, the government recognized the structure as a protected heritage site through an official gazette. Later, in 2005, the building was handed over to the Department of Archaeology, which undertook renovation work and converted it into a divisional museum. The restoration was completed in 2007, and the museum was formally inaugurated on June 8, 2015, by Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor. After the inauguration, it was opened to the public.

The second floor of the museum contains nine galleries, showcasing various aspects of the Barishal division, including its geography, natural environment, notable personalities, cultural traditions, folk art, and archaeological heritage of Bangladesh. More than two hundred collected items have already been arranged and displayed across these galleries. Additionally, visitors can learn about the history, architectural style, and unique features of the old Collectorate Building, which stands as an example of colonial-era architecture.

The museum is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer season and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter.

Entry fees have been set at 10 BDT for secondary-level students and 10 BDT for local visitors. Citizens of SAARC countries are charged 50 BDT, while visitors from other countries need to pay 200 BDT. Children under five years of age can enter free of charge. To ensure security, the museum is equipped with CCTV surveillance and a dedicated alarm system