Over the years, the Varendra Research Museum has played an important role in maintaining and promoting Bangladesh's cultural legacy. It has published several scholarly papers and books on the history, art, and archaeology of the area. The museum has also organized a number of exhibitions and educational initiatives—reaching a wide audience and cultivating an awareness for the region's cultural heritage.
In 1910, the Varendra Research Society was established in Rajshahi by prominent citizens, including the Dighapatiya Royal family's scion Kumar Sarat Kumar Ray, distinguished lawyer and historian Akshay Kumar Maitreya, renowned historian Ramaprasad Chanda, and others, to explore the region's rich history and artefacts. The society aimed to uncover the region's rich cultural heritage and contribute to the understanding of the region's extensive historic legacy. The Varendra Research Society and Museum was established in Rajshahi in 1910, serving as the museum's proprietor and caretaker. It was officially inaugurated on September 27, 1910, and registered in 1914 under the Indian Society Act, 1860.
Recently, the current authority, Rajshahi University, decided to build a large-scale Varendra Museum for improved curation, security, maintenance and management. But due to the lack of space in the current museum premises and its distance from the university, the authority decided to build a new Varendra Museum within the land of Rajshahi University and transfer the museum artifacts to new premises and preserve the current Varendra Research Museum as a heritage site.
The authority has decided to set up a new site in 20 acres of land adjacent to the Jame Mosque of Rajshahi University, next to Jamalpur, Meherchandi, Karaitala Bazar, Rajshahi—next to which lies a large experimental field governed by the university's agricultural department.
The proposed design aimed at improving the experience of the visitors, the accessibility, and the functions and significance of the museum, while maintaining the historical implication of the structure.
The design development is guided by the following key objectives:
1. To create a welcoming and engaging visitor experience.
2. To enhance the museum's accessibility for people with disabilities.
3. To improve the display and interpretation of the museum's collection.
4. To strengthen the museum's connection to the local community.
The topography of the site is visually plain and there is a one-acre natural pond. For the convenience of design, the site has been divided into three parts:
A public plaza and park surrounding the pond, southern part is designated for public entry and activities, northern part is designated for administrative and residential use
The final design consists of the museum's gallery space, vault, temporary exhibition space, auditorium, cafeteria, library, archives, research facilities, administrative offices, security dormitory, and residence for the researchers and academic guests.
The main goal is to follow the lead of the native and traditional architecture and spatial pattern—to create a mesmerizing, engaging, and educational space for the public to enjoy and learn.