The Bogyoke Aung San Museum in Bahan Township, Yangon, was crowded with monks, students and visitors on 19 July 2025, the 78th Martyrs’ Day. The museum, once the residence of Myanmar’s independence leader Bogyoke Aung San, hosted special exhibitions from 7 am to 5 pm on the day, on top of its regular displays. Normally, the museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm except on Mondays and public holidays.
This year, the museum featured three main display sections. The first section included a series of 30 historical boards titled “All in One,” highlighting key events in Bogyoke Aung San’s life, such as his student days, political career, military leadership, statesmanship, family life, funeral, the Secretariat where he was assassinated, as well as exhibits of his personal belongings, banknotes, coins, stamps, and other memorabilia.
The second section, arranged along the museum’s exit path, presented permanent UV-sticker vinyl boards with maps of Myanmar, photos of the Nine Martyrs, archival photos of the Mayu Naval Ship, and images depicting the loyalty oath of the Thirty Comrades, as well as Bogyoke Aung San’s dining room items, bedroom furniture, and the clothing of his children.
The third section utilised IT technology, including holographic exhibits of historical scenes, such as the Mayu naval vessel, Bogyoke’s funeral, and the conference room where he held his final meeting. It also featured a 360-degree display of his iconic coat and an interactive offline web page showing the items in his wardrobe. Besides, a touchscreen quiz with puzzles for young visitors added an engaging experience.
Daw Mi Mi Lay, Assistant Director of the National Museum (Yangon), said, “For the 78th Martyrs’ Day, we have arranged museum exhibits intending to create lasting memories for the public and enrich their knowledge. On top of our usual temporary exhibitions and modern interactive displays, this year we have introduced permanent boards with UV sticker vinyls that will remain on display throughout the year. This will provide visitors with extensive historical insight and knowledge.”
The ground floor of the museum displays Bogyoke Aung San’s dining and living rooms, while the upper floor showcased the bedroom furniture, wardrobes, and personal items of Bogyoke and his family. The tower, accessed by a spiral staircase, housed the family prayer room, featuring a Dakkhina Sakha Buddha image and a model monastery.
Visitors could also explore exhibits of his clothing and travel bags, view portraits of Bogyoke and his family, and see the children’s bedroom with three beds and wardrobes. Near the special meeting room, excerpts from Bogyoke’s speeches were displayed in both Myanmar and English. Outside, near the pond, a life-size statue of Bogyoke in a garden setting was exhibited.
At the digital exhibition zone, students and visitors actively participated in answering 20 questions about Bogyoke Aung San, with six types of commemorative gifts awarded to those who completed the quiz.
MNA/KZL
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