About Us

The Ever-Living Museum is an ethnographic museum that exhibits the culture of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. Our museum is divided into three sections: Heritage, Stone Collections, and Garden. We offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the rich cultural heritageThe Ever-Living Museum in Shillong, established in 2015, is a privately owned and curated initiative by Mr. Kyntiewbor War, who has a deep appreciation for the culture and heritage of Meghalaya. Located in the village of Mawshbuit, a thirty-minute drive from Shillong, the museum features three main sections: the heritage section, the stone collection, and the garden. The exhibits and artifacts showcase Mr. War’s dedication to preserving the region’s material culture and the invaluable contributions of well-wishers. The stone and minerals section includes fossils, Stone Age tools, minerals, and precious and semi-precious stones, predominantly sourced from Meghalaya. The museum grounds also boast hundreds of native plants and unique flowers that adorn the hills, many of which are steeped in folklore. Additionally, the photographs on display capture stunning waterfalls, landscapes, and the endangered traditional huts of Meghalaya. of Northeast India. Our exhibits showcase the traditional customs, lifestyle, and beliefs of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. Come and explore our museum to learn more about the vibrant culture of Northeast India.

Department of Research

The Department of Research at the Ever-Living Museum is devoted to exploring and preserving Meghalaya's rich cultural and natural heritage. This department concentrates on researching and documenting the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of the region's indigenous communities. It also investigates and preserves ancient artifacts, fossils, and Stone Age tools found in Meghalaya. Additionally, the department studies native plant species and unique flowers, including those with significant folklore connections, and analyzes minerals and precious and semi-precious stones primarily sourced within the state. They capture and archive images of the area's breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and endangered traditional huts. Led by a team of dedicated researchers and experts, the department works to maintain and enhance the museum’s extensive collections, aiming to provide educational resources and promote a deeper understanding of Meghalaya's heritage.

Kyntiewbor War
Owner and Curator,
Ever Living Museum
President, Ever Living Society

Kyntiewbor War is a distinguished 69-year-old retired Chief Engineer and is lovingly regarded as Meghalaya’s cultural guardian by many. Mr. War is the owner and curator of the Ever Living Museum. His unwavering commitment and passion to collect, photograph, record AND preserve the Culture of the State stands as testimony to the thousands of rare artefacts and plants housed at the Ever-Living Museum premises.

Mr. War's journey a as collector began in the year 1964, at the age of 10. Childhood hobbies which first began with collecting unique stones developed over the years. During his teenage years, his collection flourished to further include coins, currency notes, antiques, fossils and an array of stones. His quest for exploring the unknown opened new hobbies like caving and so on. With an eye for photography, as coloured photography came into the region in 1980, it further fueled Mr. War's artistic expression, culminating in extensive travels and a collection of photographs showcased in the museum.

On acquiring a plot of land in Mawshbuit, Mr. War dedicated his might and lifelong savings to transforming the landscape into a haven for flora enthusiasts. The meticulous cultivation of wildflowers, orchids, and fruits around the museum premises exemplifies his holistic approach to conserving these species so that future generations can see and appreciate the beauty of such rare plants and flowers.

The culmination of Mr. War's lifelong dream materialized with the inauguration of the Ever-Living Museum on April 6, 2015. The museum is divided into three sections 1. The Heritage Collection 2. The Stone Museum making it one of the only Stone Museums in the region and 3. The garden premises that is adorned by rare and local plants and flowers.

Mr. War's cultural contributions extend beyond the four walls of the museum, observed by his active involvement in various festivals and tourism awareness campaigns ranging from the three Monolith Festivals till date, the Sohra Festival and the countless villages he went to stay and convinced the people the importance of tourism. His noteworthy achievements also included his leadership in caving expeditions, contributing to habitat projects, and collaboration with esteemed institutions like NEHU and the State Museum.

Mr. Kyntiewbor's life and works has not only established the Ever-Living Museum as a cultural treasure trove but it has also left an indelible mark on Meghalaya's cultural heritage map, contributing significantly to its preservation and appreciation.