PATNA MUSEUM

This fascinating museum in Patna dates back to 1917 when it was constructed. It is home to over 50,000 artefacts that brilliantly showcase the colourful, diverse and ancient history of Bihar and its surroundings. The museum building itself is a wonderful specimen of the Mughal and Rajput style of architecture.

One of the most exciting exhibits at the museum is the Holy Relic Casket which contains the ashes of the Buddha. There are also several terracotta sculptures, ancient paintings, coins and other relics that date back to as far as the Middle Ages. You can explore several galleries that display the remains found from nearby excavation sites. These remains are a testament to the rich and fascinating history of India and its olden residents.

Location: Buddh Marg Lodipur Patna Bihar-800001.

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Historical Facts:
- The purpose of the museum was to house the many relics and artifacts that were being excavated in the vicinity of Patna by the British.
- The museum was constructed after the partition of Bihar and Bengal.
- It was created with the express purpose of helping the British conserve their resources and showcase their discoveries.
- The construction and curation of the museum was completed in 1982.
- It was the first museum of its kind in the Bihar and Orissa Province.
- It was inaugurated by the then Governor of Bihar and Orissa.

Items:
- Archaeological objects excavated from nearby sites
-Coins from ancient kingdoms
- Paintings and other works of art
- Ancient instruments
- Hand-woven and hand-painted textiles
- Thankas
- Bronze sculptures
- The ashes of the Buddha
- Terracotta figurines and structures