The name Water Museum, may spark curiosity—how can there be a museum dedicated to water? Yet such a museum exists, where water samples from rivers across Bangladesh and beyond are preserved, earning it the title of the country’s only water museum.

Bangladesh is a riverine land. Since ancient times, settlements, culture, economy, and livelihoods here have revolved around rivers. A river is not just a geographical feature but a vital force embedded in Bengali culture. To preserve this river-centered history and heritage, ActionAid Bangladesh established the nation’s first and only Water Museum in Pakhimara village of Nilganj union under Kalapara upazila in Patuakhali district.

Inaugurated on December 29, 2014, the museum houses clear glass jars containing water from 87 rivers of Bangladesh. Each jar is accompanied by details of the river’s history, geographical features, and the life and culture of communities living along its banks. More than a collection of water, the museum stands as an archive of river culture.

Spread across two floors in a modest tin-roofed structure covering about 500 square feet, the exhibition showcases objects once central to river-based life. Fishing nets, traps, crab-catching tools, clay pots, bamboo baskets, and miniature wooden boats are among the traditional items on display. The walls are adorned with photographs depicting rivers and canals, fish species, the lives of fishermen and potters, and the daily struggles of coastal communities. Folk traditions tied to rivers and water are also given prominence.

The museum is not limited to physical exhibits. It also documents the histories of hundreds of rivers, along with information on transboundary rivers and photographic evidence of the adverse impacts of climate change on rivers and the environment.

“The main purpose of this initiative is to encourage people to rethink rivers beyond political boundaries, from a human and ecological perspective,” said curator Lipi Mitra. “A river is not just a resource—it is intimately connected with human existence. Creating this awareness is our goal.”

Many tourists visiting Kuakata sea beach also make their way to the Water Museum. Tourist Muhammad Baizid said, “While traveling in Kuakata, I heard about this museum from locals. Inside, I found a wealth of information and history about rivers. Truly, it is a place worth visiting.”

Locals say the museum has already begun playing an important role in diversifying the tourism experience, which is otherwise centered mainly around the beach. From students and researchers to general visitors, the Water Museum is drawing growing attention.

According to its curators, rivers are not merely natural resources but are deeply linked to culture and human existence. Yet today, rivers face threats from encroachment, pollution, and climate change. One of the museum’s key objectives is to raise public awareness about these crises and inspire active participation in protecting rivers.

The museum remains open daily from 10am to 7pm, except on Tuesdays, with an entry fee of just Tk10—making it accessible to visitors from all walks of life.

The Water Museum embodies the history and heritage of riverine Bangladesh while carrying a message for future generations about the urgent need to protect rivers. For anyone visiting Kuakata, a trip to this unique museum in Kalapara offers a rare and enriching experience beyond the beach.