The Archival Photo Gallery

The archival photography exhibition is located near the northern terrace of the Shwedagon Pagoda, adjacent to the Aung Myay area. The exhibition was opened after the previous “Shwe Taung Saung” building was renovated and transformed into a photography exhibition hall. This large exhibition is a historical gallery of the Shwedagon Pagoda, showcasing photo records that preserve the history of the pagoda’s maintenance and preservation efforts over time. Visitors can view historical photos of the religious structures within the grounds of the Shwedagon Pagoda, capturing the developments and changes over the years. Additionally, visitors can admire photos of rarely seen stupa replicas before seeing them in person at the pagoda. The exhibition also emphasizes the offerings made by devotees in the form of gold, silver, and various jewels to honor and support the Buddhist faith.
The Shwedagon Pagoda archival photography exhibition was first opened on May 26, 2002, aiming to showcase five categories: “Surrounding Shwedagon – A View from Afar,” “Remarkable Facts,” “Then and Now – A Comparison,” “Various Renovations at Shwedagon,” and “Paying Homage to – The Golden Umbrella.” A total of 337 photographs were displayed. Over time, some photos began to deteriorate due to fading colours, and some were damaged by water during the Nargis cyclone in 2008. To prevent further decay, Fuji Film Corporation restored these photos using advanced technology. In addition, high-quality photographs of the current condition of the pagoda’s stupa replicas were taken. The exhibition was reopened on March 13, 2013, displaying over 260 photographs.
During the third renovation of the exhibition in 2017, Fuji Film Corporation’s Myanmar branch representative, U Mya Zaw, and photographer U Than Zaw, restored the photographs. The updated exhibition, reopened on September 9, 2017, featured a total of 151 photographs, including 53 black-and-white photos and 89 color photos. On the left-hand side of the entrance wall, large images of the four Buddhas who have already attained enlightenment in the Bhadda Kappa era, along with the images of the Ruby-eyed Buddha Image and the Rajamuni statue, are prominently displayed. Additionally, in the front, large-scale images of the Ruby-eyed Buddha Image, Diamond Bud, and vane are showcased for close admiration. Furthermore, visitors can pay homage to three gilded bronze Buddha statues, two reclining Buddha statues, one stone Buddha statue, and one small bronze Buddha statue.
The photos are mounted on metal frames and divided into three rows for easy viewing. The first row features 42 color photos and 15 black-and-white photos. The second row showcases 47 color photos, while the third row includes 38 black-and-white photos from the 19th century of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
In front of the exhibition hall, a list of contributors who donated knowledge, goodwill, and funds for the archival photography project is displayed, commemorating their efforts in the history of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
The exhibition is open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.