Discover Bihar's Rich Heritage
Explore the cultural treasures and historical artifacts preserved in Bihar's world-class museums
Explore the cultural treasures and historical artifacts preserved in Bihar's world-class museums
Bihar, the land where Buddha attained enlightenment, is home to some of India's most significant museums. These institutions preserve the rich cultural, historical, and artistic heritage of one of India's oldest civilizations.
From ancient artifacts dating back to the Mauryan Empire to contemporary art exhibitions, Bihar's museums offer visitors a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of art, culture, and society in this historically significant region.
The Bihar Museum in Patna is a state-of-the-art institution showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. Designed by Fumihiko Maki, this modern museum houses historical artifacts, art galleries, and interactive exhibits that bring Bihar's history to life.
Location: Bailey Road, Patna
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹500 for Foreign Nationals
Established in 1917, the Patna Museum is one of the oldest museums in Bihar. Known locally as Jadu Ghar (House of Magic), it houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts, including the famous Didarganj Yakshi, a 5th century BC Mauryan sculpture carved from a single piece of sandstone.
Location: Buddha Marg, Patna
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹300 for Foreign Nationals
Located near the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, this museum houses artifacts excavated from the Nalanda Mahavihara site. The collection includes Buddhist and Hindu bronze sculptures, stone inscriptions, coins, pottery, and other archaeological treasures dating from the 5th to the 12th centuries.
Location: Nalanda, Bihar
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Open all days)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹200 for Foreign Nationals
Located in Darbhanga, the Chandradhari Museum holds the royal collections of the Darbhanga Maharajas. You’ll find rare manuscripts, exquisite Mithila paintings, and royal artifacts that showcase the region’s rich artistic heritage.
Location: Darbhanga, Bihar
Timings: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee: Free
Situated in Ramgarh near Bodh Gaya, this museum displays excavated Buddhist sculptures, stone inscriptions, and relics from the surrounding archaeological sites. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhist art and history.
Location: Ramgarh, Bodh Gaya
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Open all days)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹100 for Foreign Nationals
This museum in Patna is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and showcases his personal items, letters, photographs, and documents related to India’s freedom movement. A good stop for anyone interested in Gandhi’s life and legacy.
Location: Patna
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Open all days)
Entry Fee: Free
Part of the historic Jamalpur Workshops, this heritage museum displays old steam locomotives, vintage railway tools, and black-and-white photographs documenting over a century of Indian railway history.
Location: Jamalpur, Munger
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Open all days)
Entry Fee: Free
Located in Patna, this interactive science center has hands-on exhibits on physics, biology, and technology, plus a planetarium for shows on astronomy. Great for kids and adults who love to experiment.
Location: Patna
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Open all days)
Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
Experience Bihar's museums from anywhere in the world with our immersive virtual tours. Explore galleries, view artifacts in 3D, and learn about Bihar's rich cultural heritage through interactive digital experiences.
A special exhibition showcasing artifacts from the Mauryan Empire, including sculptures, coins, and inscriptions.
June 15 - August 30, 2023
Bihar Museum, Patna
Explore the evolution of Buddhist art and iconography from the early Mauryan period to the Pala dynasty.
July 10 - September 20, 2023
Nalanda Archaeological Museum
A celebration of Bihar's rich folk art traditions, including Madhubani paintings, Sujni embroidery, and Sikki craft.
August 5 - October 15, 2023
Patna Museum
Bihar’s museums regularly organize guided tours, history workshops, and art restoration sessions for students, scholars, and art lovers. Schools and colleges can book group sessions.
Plan your cultural journey through Bihar with our interactive museum map. Discover hidden gems and plan the perfect itinerary to experience Bihar's rich heritage.
Patna
Patna
Nalanda
Gaya
Vaishali
"The Bihar Museum is a world-class institution that beautifully showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. The interactive exhibits and modern presentation make history come alive."
"As a history enthusiast, I was amazed by the collection at the Nalanda Archaeological Museum. The Buddhist sculptures and artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient India's artistic traditions."
"The Patna Museum's collection of Mauryan and Gupta artifacts is truly impressive. The Didarganj Yakshi alone is worth the visit. A must-see for anyone interested in Indian art history."
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