Palace to be opened for public view

Nepal's main royal palace will soon open as a public museum offering a glimpse of centuries of royal life, including a jewel-studded crown, a king's throne, and a vintage car given as a gift by Adolf Hitler, the government said yesterday.

Home Secretary Umesh Mainali said the target was to complete work in a month and half before opening to the public, though a firm date has not yet been set.

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