Welcome to the Patna Museum

When you talk about a city with a heritage as rich as Patna's, its museum is bound to be a veritable treasure trove of wonders that will tell you the most fascinating stories about the city.

Nestled in the heart of Patna city is this fascinating place, the Patna Museum—the oldest museum in Bihar.

Established in 1917 near the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, this cultural treasure trove beckons history buffs and art enthusiasts with its exquisite collection of artefacts and exhibits.

The museum boasts a captivating journey through time, showcasing Bihar's rich heritage from the Mauryan and Gupta empires to the Gandhara region's Buddhist legacy. Among its star attractions is the captivating Didarganj Yakshi, a polished sandstone sculpture from the 3rd century BC. And then there are its diverse offerings, encompassing everything from Chinese art to exquisitely detailed Tibetan Thangka scroll paintings.

The museum's charm extends beyond ancient wonders into natural history with a collection of preserved fauna and even a fossilised tree estimated to be 200 million years old.

The origin story and legacy

The year was 1912. With the separation of Bihar from Bengal, a new vision emerged – a dedicated museum to showcase the state's rich heritage. Just five years later, in 1917, that vision materialised under the leadership of Sir Edward Gait. The Patna Museum's humble beginnings saw its first exhibits housed in a small room within the Patna High Court.

Recognising the need for a permanent space, land was allocated in 1925, and construction commenced under the guidance of the architect Rai Bahadur Vishnuswaroop. Completed three years later, the museum embodied the Indo-Saracenic style, its most striking features including the central Chattri, corner domes, and ornately designed jharokha windows.

Finally, in 1929, Sir Stephenson, the then Governor of Bihar and Orissa, officially opened the Patna Museum to the public. For decades, the museum was the sole custodian of Bihar's historical treasures. Its collection swelled to over 75,000 artefacts, boasting an impressive range of terracotta and stone sculptures and a vast numismatic collection spanning centuries.

A new chapter began with the establishment of the Bihar Museum in 2015. Objects representing the period up to 1764 found a new home, while the Patna Museum retained its focus on the post-1765 era. The "Relics Casket of Buddha" remains among its prized possessions, procured from Vaishali, a testament to the museum's enduring commitment to preserving Bihar's remarkable legacy.

A glimpse into other treasures

The wonders of Patna Museum extend far beyond its ancient sculptures. History buffs will delight in the National History Gallery, while the Dr Rajendra Prasad Gallery offers a dedicated space to explore the life and legacy of India's first President. For those seeking natural marvels, the Geological Gallery houses a remarkable specimen – India's tallest fossil tree, a 53-foot testament to prehistoric life. Art enthusiasts, meanwhile, won't want to miss the highly polished stone torso of a Jain Tirthankar from Lohanipur, a masterpiece representing the earliest known example of Jain art. And for a glimpse into literary heritage, the museum proudly displays a captivating Persian manuscript known as the Shahnama.

Timings

Opening time - 10:30 AM

Closing time - 04:30 PM

Beyond the museum walls

Your exploration needn't end within the captivating halls of the Patna Museum. Just a walk away lies the iconic Indira Gandhi Planetarium, offering a chance to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos. For a taste of architectural grandeur, head to the nearby Secretariat Building, a colonial-era marvel showcasing Indo-Saracenic design. And for a moment of spiritual reflection, the serene Buddha Smriti Park, featuring a revered stupa and a captivating Bodhi tree, beckons. The rich attractions surrounding the Patna Museum promise a truly immersive experience, allowing you to explore the city's cultural and historical landscape.

From its captivating sculptures to its diverse collections, the Patna Museum beckons you on a journey through time, unveiling Bihar's remarkable history and culture.