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Brick sculpture at Patna Museum in Bihar

Patna Museum

Patna, India

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Visiting Patna Museum: Hours, Tickets, and Travel Tips

Date: 16/08/2024

Introduction

The Patna Museum, affectionately known as ‘Jadu Ghar’ or the ‘House of Magic,’ stands as a monumental tribute to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Bihar and India as a whole. Established on April 3, 1917, during the British Raj, the museum is an architectural marvel, exhibiting a splendid fusion of Mughal, Rajput, and Indo-Saracenic styles. Designed by Rai Bahadur Bishun Swarup, the building’s domes, arches, pillars, and other features are a testament to the grandeur of India’s historical architecture (Blissful Bihar). Officially opened in March 1929 by Sir Hugh Lansdowne Stephenson, the then Governor of Bihar and Orissa, the museum has since grown to house over 20,000 items ranging from prehistoric times to the modern era (The Week).

The Patna Museum’s vast collection includes rare paintings, Tibetan thankas, Daniells aquatints, sculptures, coins, and manuscripts, providing a comprehensive glimpse into Bihar’s rich cultural and historical heritage (Incredible India). Among its notable treasures are the Didarganj Yakshi, a 2000-year-old sandstone sculpture from the Mauryan era, and a 200-million-year-old fossilized tree trunk, one of its most prized possessions (Travel India).

The museum has recently undergone significant developments, including the inauguration of a new extension wing housing the ‘Ganga’ and ‘Patali’ galleries, which aim to provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the evolution of civilization along the Ganga river and the history of ancient Pataliputra (The Week). Despite facing controversies and challenges, such as the replacement of its heritage gates and a fire incident in its new wing, the museum continues to be a beacon of cultural preservation and education, engaging visitors through its special programs and activities (The Week).

Whether you are a history buff, a culture explorer, or simply someone interested in understanding the rich past and present of Bihar, the Patna Museum offers an enriching and unforgettable experience. This guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, ticket prices, nearby attractions, and more to help you plan your trip efficiently.

Table of Contents

History and Significance of Patna Museum

Establishment and Architectural Marvel

The Patna Museum was established on April 3, 1917, during the British Raj. The museum’s architecture is a splendid fusion of Mughal, Rajput, and Indo-Saracenic styles, reflecting the grandeur of India’s rich history. Designed by Rai Bahadur Bishun Swarup, the building features domes, arches, pillars, windows, and balconies that showcase the influence of these diverse cultures (Blissful Bihar). The museum was officially opened in March 1929 by Sir Hugh Lansdowne Stephenson, the then Governor of Bihar and Orissa (The Week).

Historical Significance

The Patna Museum holds a significant place in preserving and showcasing the historical treasures of Bihar. It houses over 20,000 items, ranging from prehistoric times to the modern era, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in India (Tripoto). The museum’s collection includes rare paintings, Tibetan thankas, Daniells aquatints, sculptures, coins, and manuscripts, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Bihar’s rich cultural and historical heritage (Incredible India).

Notable Collections

Mauryan and Gupta Era Treasures

The museum boasts North India’s largest collection of Mauryan and Gupta era treasures. These include the famous Didarganj Yakshi statue, a 2000-year-old sandstone sculpture that is considered one of the finest examples of Mauryan art (Travel India). The museum also features Buddhist stone artwork, which provides insights into the symbolism and artistic traditions of ancient India.

Fossilized Tree Trunk

One of the museum’s prized possessions is a 200-million-year-old fossilized tree trunk, which was found near Asansol in West Bengal in 1927 and presented by the Eastern Railway. This 58-ft long ‘silicified tree trunk’ consists of various fragments, with pieces ranging from 8 inches to 3 ft. It has been recently moved to the new ‘Ganga’ gallery in the museum’s extension wing (The Week).

Architectural Models and Ancient Artefacts

The museum’s new ‘Patali’ gallery offers an immersive experience with ancient artefacts and architectural models made of reinforced fibre plastic. These models depict the old fortifications of ancient Pataliputra, which saw its heydays under Mauryan ruler Emperor Ashoka. The gallery also features a relief work representing Buddhist council meetings that took place in the ancient city (The Week).

Recent Developments

Extension Wing and New Galleries

A new extension wing of the 96-year-old Patna Museum building, housing two modern galleries, was inaugurated on August 7, 2024. The ‘Ganga’ and ‘Patali’ galleries are designed to provide visitors with an understanding of the evolution of civilization on the banks of the Ganga river and the history of the ancient city of Pataliputra (The Week). The extension wing also includes modern storage facilities for old artefacts and conservation labs for textiles, paintings, papers, and manuscripts (The Week).

Controversies and Conservation Efforts

The museum has faced some controversies, including the demolition and replacement of its old heritage gates with new ones built in a similar style, sparking criticism from scholars and heritage lovers (The Week). Additionally, a fire was reported in its new wing in May 2024, but officials confirmed that no major damage occurred. The Delhi-based Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is currently working on the conservation of the museum’s artefacts, ensuring their preservation for future generations (The Week).

Visitor Experience

Engaging Programs and Activities

The Patna Museum is committed to keeping heritage alive meaningfully through engaging floor guides and special student programs. These initiatives resonate with visitors, making the museum’s priceless treasures come alive. For instance, Rahul, a young tribal museum volunteer, enthusiastically explains the intimate stories behind ancient statues and artworks to visitors from different parts of the world (Travel India).

Visitor Information

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and is closed on Mondays. The entry fee is INR 15 for Indian visitors and INR 250 for foreign visitors, with free entry for children below 10 years. The museum is located near Kotwali Thana on Budh Marg in Patna, about 6 km from Patna Junction Railway Station and 11 km from Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (Tripoto).

Travel Tips

To make the most of your visit to the Patna Museum, consider exploring nearby attractions such as Golghar, Buddha Smriti Park, and Mahavir Mandir. These sites offer additional insights into the region’s historical and cultural significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visiting hours for Patna Museum? The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and is closed on Mondays.

How much are the tickets for Patna Museum? The entry fee is INR 15 for Indian visitors and INR 250 for foreign visitors, with free entry for children below 10 years.

What are some nearby attractions to visit after the Patna Museum? Nearby attractions include Golghar, Buddha Smriti Park, and Mahavir Mandir.

Conclusion

The Patna Museum stands as a testament to Bihar’s rich history and cultural heritage. Its diverse collections, engaging programs, and recent developments make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, culture explorers, and anyone interested in understanding the region’s past and present. The museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its treasures ensures that visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for Bihar’s historical significance.

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References

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