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Styled in Mughal and Rajput architecture during the British Raj, the Patna Museum, locally known as the Jadu Ghar of Patna, is the state museum of Bihar. It was established to conserve the ancient relics found in the local areas to display. The idea came into view in 1912, was completed in 1925, and opened as the first museum of Bihar and Orissa province for the public in 1929. Later, in 2015, when the Bihar Museum was built, the artefacts of the post-1765 era remained here, and the rest, till 1764, were transferred to the Bihar Museum.
Quick Details About Patna Museum
Patna Museum Address:Buddh Marg, Lodipur, Patna, Bihar 800001
How To Reach: Bus, cab or auto rickshaw
Nearest Airport: Patna Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Patna Junction Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Where To Stay: Taj City Center, Ginger Patna, The Red Velvet Hotel Samarpan, Hotel Mayura
Where To Eat: The Yellow Chilli, Bansi Vihar, Aasman, Seven Spices Restaurant, Heaven’s Garden
Things To Do In Patna Museum
Get to explore a fine collection of artefacts that are significant to world history in this museum.
1. Marvel At Some Unique Exhibits
Photo: Hpgoa / Wikimedia Commons
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on various themes of history, culture, and art. It also holds cultural events during local festivals and provides engaging and interactive tours. For students, educational workshops on history and archaeology are held, which are led by experts. Through these exhibitions and workshops, visitors can learn about the historical and cultural revolution of Bihar. Specific sections are dedicated to the tribal communities of Bihar which highlight the economic state and diverse history of the region.
2. Explore The Fascinating Galleries
Photo: Hpgoa / Wikimedia Commons
The museum displays some exquisite galleries and offers much exploration to do. The galleries are Natural History Gallery, Stone Sculpture Gallery, Terracotta Gallery, Buddha Relic Gallery, Bronze Galley, Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan Gallery, Art Gallery & War-Weapon Gallery, Painting Gallery, Patliputra Gallery, Rajendra Gallery, Orissa Stone Sculpture and Indian Stone Art Tradition. These have art and paintings from the Kushana period to the British period, rare stone sculptures, a cannon of World War I, and a collection of Buddhist relics. One of the museum’s highlights is a fossil of a 200 million-year-old tree.
Places To Visit Around Patna Museum
After visiting this museum in Patna, you can explore some other amazing attractions around the vicinity.
1. Golghar
Photo: JhhonyG / Wikimedia Commons
Golghar, a small tourist attraction, was built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, a British engineer, as a granary for storing grains in huge amounts to prevent famine, which killed several people in the regions of Bengal, Bihar, and modern-day Bangladesh. It stands 29 metres high and has a circumference of 125 metres with a spiral staircase to the top of the dome. The thick walls were created to protect the grain from pests and weather conditions but were never used for their intended purpose.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: NA
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2. Buddha Smriti Park
Photo: Botu Yadav / Wikimedia Commons
Located 1.8 km away from the museum, Buddha Smriti Park, also known as Buddha Memorial Park, aims to keep the life and teachings of Lord Buddha alive. It is a multi-purpose park which has Pataliputra Karuna Stupa, a meditation centre, a library with books on Buddhism, and a museum with the park. Built on the site, it serves as both a cultural and educational hub, promoting understanding and appreciation of Buddhist heritage.y
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Karuna Stupa – ₹50, Meditation Centre – ₹500, Museum – ₹40, Park – ₹20
3. Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan
Photo: Suman Kumar Hansada / Wikimedia Commons
Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, also known as Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park or Patna Zoo, is located 5 km away from the museum. The park is often visited as a picnic spot by the locals and tourists alike. It is one of the 16 largest zoos in India, and it houses nearly 800 animals, including Bengal tigers, lions, and elephants, with various flora and fauna. You can enjoy activities like boating, riding the toy train, elephant riding, etc. It has a children’s park, picnic areas, and a botanical garden.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for adults, ₹5 for children
4. Gandhi Maidan
Photo: Shivamsetu / Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of 2 km from the museum, Gandhi Maidan is a historically important place where leaders addressed the public for freedom during pre-independence and post-independence. It has a 70 ft tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi, made of bronze with Gandhi Sangrahalaya located in the north-western corner of the Maidan. Gandhi Maidan is a central hub for community activities and public events in Patna. It is used for hosting events like trade fairs, book fairs, and political and private meetings.
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: NA
5. Bihar Museum
Photo: Sumitsurai / Wikimedia Commons
Often visited together, Bihar Museum is 2.2 km away from the Patna Museum. Opened in 2015, the museum is among the most recent major additions to the region’s cultural institutions. It is a modern approach to showcasing historical artefacts as compared to the museum in Patna. Bihar Museum has more than 30,000 artefacts on display in various galleries. There is a 320-metre-long tunnel that connects both museums to facilitate easy navigation and enhance the experience. The infrastructure and facilities are disabled and children-friendly.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for children, ₹500 for foreigners
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Botu Yadav / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers
- Patna is usually a warm state, so visiting in summer, due to the heat waves, and during monsoon, because of the heavy rainfalls, is not recommended.
- Make sure you are aware of the restrictions and dos and don’ts of the place you are visiting.
- Also, knowing the language and original prices may come in handy.
- Though the travel cost is affordable and may change depending on the other facilities you are availing.
Patna Museum is worth visiting to understand the historical context behind its cultural evolution. Filled with more than 100,000 artefacts, it brings us closer to understanding the history of India. Encountering the streets of Patna can be fun, and planning your visit carefully ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience. You are a click away from exploring the rich heritage of Patna, Bihar. So, plan your journey today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Manoj nav / Wikimedia Commons
