Are you looking for a unique and enriching experience in Patna, the capital city of Bihar? Do you want to explore the rich and diverse heritage of one of the oldest civilizations in the world? If yes, then you must visit the Bihar Museum, a state-of-the-art museum that showcases the ancient history and culture of Bihar and India.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Bihar Museum, from its history and architecture to its exhibits and highlights. We will also give you some practical tips on how to plan your visit, such as the timings, entry fees, and best time to visit.
Moreover, we will also suggest some nearby attractions and places to visit from the Bihar Museum, as well as some of the best hotels and restaurants near the museum. Finally, we will also share some of the best travel packages and deals that include the Bihar Museum, so that you can make the most of your trip to Patna.
History and Architecture of Bihar Museum
The Bihar Museum was inaugurated in 2015 by the then Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, as a part of his vision to promote the culture and tourism of Bihar. The museum was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, who is also known for designing the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto and the United Nations building in New York. The museum covers an area of 13.5 acres and has a built-up space of 24,000 square meters. The museum has a modern and minimalist design, with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements.
The museum consists of several buildings and structures, such as the main entrance plaza, the orientation gallery, the children’s gallery, the regional history gallery, the historical art gallery, the contemporary art gallery, the Bihari diaspora gallery, the auditorium, the cafeteria, the library, and the administration block. The museum also has a beautiful landscape garden, a water body, and a sculpture park. The museum is designed to provide a seamless and interactive experience to the visitors, with the help of advanced technology and multimedia.
Exhibits and Highlights of Bihar Museum
The Bihar Museum has a collection of over 20,000 artefacts, dating from the prehistoric times to the modern era. The museum showcases the history, culture, art, and literature of Bihar and India, with a special focus on the regions of Magadha, Mithila, and Bhojpur. The museum also highlights the contributions of Bihar to the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Some of the most notable and interesting exhibits and artefacts in the museum are:
The Didarganj Yakshi, a 2,000-year-old sculpture of a female figure, carved from a single piece of sandstone. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mauryan art and sculpture.
The Relic Casket of Buddha, a 2,600-year-old stone casket that contains the ashes and bones of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It was discovered in 1958 at the Vaishali archaeological site in Bihar.
The Asokan Edicts, a series of inscriptions carved on rocks and pillars by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who ruled over most of India in the 3rd century BCE. The edicts contain the teachings and policies of Ashoka, who embraced Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war.
The Pala Sculptures, a collection of exquisite sculptures made of stone, metal, and terracotta, depicting various Hindu and Buddhist deities and scenes. The sculptures belong to the Pala dynasty, which ruled over Bihar and Bengal from the 8th to the 12th century CE.
The Madhubani Paintings, a form of folk art that originated in the Mithila region of Bihar. The paintings are characterized by the use of bright colors, geometric patterns, and intricate motifs, depicting themes such as nature, mythology, and social events.
The Patna Kalam Paintings, a style of miniature painting that flourished in Patna in the 18th and 19th centuries. The paintings are known for their realistic and detailed portrayal of people, animals, and landscapes, using watercolors and gold leaf.
The Bihari Literature, a section that showcases the literary works and achievements of the writers and poets of Bihar, such as Vidyapati, Kabir, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Phanishwar Nath Renu, and Ram Vilas Sharma. The section also displays the manuscripts, books, and awards of the Bihari authors.
The Bihari Diaspora, a section that traces the migration and settlement of the people of Bihar in different parts of the world, such as Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and the United States. The section also highlights the cultural and economic impact of the Bihari diaspora on their host countries.
Timings, Entry Fees, and Time Required to Visit Bihar Museum
The Bihar Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 100 for Indian adults, Rs. 50 for Indian students, Rs. 500 for foreign nationals, and Rs. 250 for foreign students. The entry is free for children below 10 years, senior citizens above 65 years, and differently-abled persons.
The museum also offers discounts for group bookings and school visits. The average time required to explore the museum is about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your interest and pace. You can also avail the audio guide service, which costs Rs. 50 per person, to get more information and insights about the exhibits and artefacts.
Best Time and Ways to Visit Bihar Museum
The best time to visit the Bihar Museum is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable in Patna. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, and the humidity is low.
You can also enjoy the festivals and events that take place in Patna during this period, such as the Chhath Puja, the Sonepur Mela, and the Patna Literature Festival. The Bihar Museum is located in the heart of Patna, on the Bailey Road, near the Patna High Court. You can easily reach the museum by public transport, such as buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. You can also take the metro, which has a station near the museum. The museum has a spacious parking lot, where you can park your private vehicle for a nominal fee.
Nearby Attractions and Places to Visit from Bihar Museum
The Bihar Museum is not the only attraction in Patna. There are many other places that you can visit from the museum, such as:
The Golghar, a granary built in 1786 by the British, in the shape of a dome. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the river Ganges.
The Patna Sahib Gurudwara, a Sikh shrine that marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last guru of Sikhism. It is one of the five takhts, or seats of authority, of Sikhism.
The Kumhrar, an archaeological site that contains the remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan and Gupta empires. It has ruins of palaces, temples, pillars, and a hall with 80 pillars.
The Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, a zoological and botanical garden that houses over 800 animals and 300 plant species. It also has a snake house, an aquarium, a toy train, and a boat ride.
The Patna Museum, a museum that displays the history and culture of Bihar and India, from the prehistoric times to the modern era. It has a collection of over 50,000 artefacts, including the fossil of a tree that is over 200 million years old.
Best Hotels and Restaurants near Bihar Museum
If you are looking for a place to stay or eat near the Bihar Museum, you have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the best hotels and restaurants near the museum are:
The Hotel Maurya, a five-star hotel that offers luxurious rooms and suites, with amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, AC, minibar, and tea/coffee maker. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, a spa, a gym, and a swimming pool.
The Hotel Chanakya, a four-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms and suites, with amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, AC, fridge, and tea/coffee maker. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a bakery, a salon, and a banquet hall.
The Hotel Patliputra Continental, a three-star hotel that offers cozy rooms and suites, with amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and tea/coffee maker. It also has a restaurant, a cafe, a gym, and a conference hall.
The Bansi Vihar, a vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious and hygienic food, such as dosa, idli, vada, uttapam, and thali. It also has a sweets and snacks counter, where you can buy some local delicacies, such as khaja, thekua, and litti chokha.
The Takshila, a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, such as Chinese, Indian, Continental, and Mughlai. It also has a bar, where you can enjoy some drinks and snacks.
The Biryani Mahal, a restaurant that specializes in biryani, the aromatic rice dish cooked with meat, spices, and herbs. It also serves other dishes, such as kebabs, curries, and rotis.
Travel Packages and Deals that Include Bihar Museum
If you want to save time and money, you can also opt for some of the travel packages and deals that include the Bihar Museum, along with other attractions and services in Patna. Some of the best travel packages and deals are:
The Patna Heritage Tour, a 2-day package that covers the Bihar Museum, the Golghar, the Patna Sahib Gurudwara, the Kumhrar, and the Patna Museum. It also includes accommodation, breakfast, transport, and guide.
The Patna Cultural Tour, a 3-day package that covers the Bihar Museum, the Golghar, the Patna Sahib Gurudwara, the Kumhrar, the Patna Museum, the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, and the Madhubani Painting Workshop. It also includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transport, guide, and entry fees.
The Patna Adventure Tour, a 4-day package that covers the Bihar Museum, the Golghar, the Patna Sahib Gurudwara, the Kumhrar, the Patna Museum, the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, the Madhubani Painting Workshop, and the River Rafting on the Ganges. It also includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, transport, guide, entry fees, and rafting equipment.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative overview of the Bihar Museum, and has inspired you to visit this amazing place. The Bihar Museum is not only a museum, but also a cultural hub, where you can learn, explore, and enjoy the history and culture of Bihar and India. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to suit your interest and taste at the Bihar Museum.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Patna and the Bihar Museum today, and experience the beauty and diversity of Bihar and India. And don’t forget to share your feedback and comments with us, and follow us on our social media platforms for more updates and tips on travel and tourism. Thank you for reading, and happy traveling!
