The first museum was opened in 1952 by then Prime Minister Mohamed Amin Didi, to not only preserve the history of the Maldivian people, but to also promote patriotism. Located within Male, a new museum was redesigned, built and financed by the Chinese government as a gift to Maldives, which was opened while commemorating their Independence day on 26th July, 2010.
Relics and artifacts from the Buddhist and Islamic periods can be found within the museum, not limited to turbans, ceremonial dresses, lacquer work etc.
In 2012, some religious extremists protesting against then President, Nasheed, destroyed 30 ancient Buddhist carvings terming them as 'idols.'
