Palace of ex-king of Nepal to become a museum

June 16, 2008 , Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Kathmandu

The palace where Nepal's former king once lived will be converted into a museum that will offer the public a glimpse of royal life, including the ex-monarch's throne and a vintage car given as a gift by Adolf Hitler, the government said Monday.

Items on display at the museum will include valuable artifacts accumulated by the Shah dynasty in its 239-year rule of the Himalayan nation, according to Home Secretary Umesh Mainali.

The palace in Katmandu was formally renamed the Narayanhiti Palace Museum at a government ceremony Sunday, days after deposed King Gyanendra moved out.