The Ta Dzong was originally built in 1649 by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa, the first governor of Paro under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, as a watchtower to defend the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Strategically located above the fortress, the structure played a critical military role in protecting Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. The building’s unique cylindrical architecture, rare among dzongs, provided excellent surveillance over the Paro Valley and added strength to the region’s defense system.

In 1968, Ta Dzong was officially inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum. Since then, it has been a guardian of Bhutanese heritage, showcasing over 3,000 items from different periods of Bhutanese history. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to narrate Bhutan’s spiritual, artistic, and military past—from ancient stone tools to intricate thangka paintings. Despite minor damages from an earthquake in 2011, the museum continues to operate in parts of the original structure while preservation efforts are ongoing. It remains a key institution for educating locals and visitors about Bhutan’s identity.