Shashibhushan Kunwar, Patna. When it comes to the most prestigious museums in the world, the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York or the famous museums of Europe and America come to mind first. But now a name from Patna has also been added to this global discussion. Bihar Museum, which has presented the thousands of years old civilization, art and cultural heritage of Bihar to the world, has now created a new identity at the international level.
Bihar Museum has been ranked ninth in the list of 100 best museums in the world for the year 2026 released by the German travel and tourism magazine 'Worth a Journey'. With this achievement, this museum of Patna has joined the ranks of those prestigious institutions of the world, which have been recognized as global centers of history, art and culture for years. The special thing is that Bihar Museum has registered its strong presence from Asia also.
Bihar dominates among 100 museums of 37 countries
100 museums from 37 countries have been included in this global list of Worth a Journey. It includes famous museums of many countries including Mexico, Spain, Denmark, Russia, America, Austria. Bihar Museum reaching the ninth position is also considered special because it now appears to be standing alongside those museums which the world knows for their centuries-old collections, historical importance and international tourist attraction. The list also includes prestigious names like the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The story is not of today, it starts from 1917.
This success of Bihar Museum has not happened suddenly. More than a century old museum tradition and years of planning, construction and cultural vision are working behind this. Patna Museum already existed in Bihar, established in 1917. But with time the historical and archaeological collections of the state continued to grow. The situation became such that it became difficult to display all the heritage in the available space. Keeping this need in mind, a modern museum was conceived in the year 2009, which could present the ancient civilization, art, culture and historical achievements of Bihar at the international level.
Rare artefact of the Gupta period.
Nitish Kumar's initiative and team of global experts
This ambitious project was taken forward on the initiative of the then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The objective was clear, to present the glorious past of Bihar to the world through modern museum technology and presentation. For this, help of international level experts was taken. Japan's renowned architectural firm Maki & Associates and Mumbai's Opolis Architects designed the building. Lord Cultural Resources of Canada helped in shaping the planning and exhibition arrangement of the museum.
Modern cultural complex built on 13 acres
A major step towards the construction of Bihar Museum was taken on 9 July 2013, when the then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid its foundation stone. Spread over about 13 acres on Nehru Path in Patna, this complex was developed in accordance with modern architecture and museum facilities. Special attention was paid to open spaces, natural light, attractive corridors and state-of-the-art exhibition galleries in the building. After this the museum was inaugurated on 7 August 2015. Initially some parts of it were opened to the common people. Later the galleries and performance venues continued to expand. Its comprehensive form became visible to the public with the opening of major galleries in October 2017. Here the history of Bihar has been presented in different periods, so that the audience can understand the journey from ancient times to medieval times in a systematic manner.
Didarganj, from Yakshi to Maurya period, a priceless treasure of history
The biggest strength of Bihar Museum is its rich collection. The famous statue of Didarganj Yakshi present here is counted among the most important heritages of Indian sculpture. Due to its artistic beauty and unmatched craftsmanship, this statue has been attracting historians and art lovers in India and abroad for a long time. Maurya period sculptures, historical objects related to ancient Magadha, artefacts of Buddhist and Jain traditions, ancient coins, stone and bronze sculptures and rare artistic materials of different periods are also displayed in the museum. Through these collections, we get an opportunity to understand the ancient social, religious, political and cultural conditions of Bihar.
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Complete story of Bihar under one roof
The different galleries of Bihar Museum make it special. The past of Bihar has been presented in a systematic manner in the History Gallery. The folk and traditional art of Bihar has found a place in the Regional Art Gallery.
Contemporary art galleries showcase modern creative expressions. Bihari Diaspora Gallery tells the story of the journey and identity of people who have come from Bihar and settled in different parts of the country and the world.
A special gallery for children provides an opportunity to understand history and culture in an interesting and interactive way.
Not just a museum, but also a center of cultural dialogue
Bihar Museum has not limited itself to displaying only historical objects. Events like Bihar Museum Biennale were started to promote cultural dialogue, heritage conservation and exchange of art among museums. An attempt was made to bring museums, artists and cultural institutions of the country and abroad on one platform through the Biennale organized in the year 2023. Apart from this, the museum has also expanded the scope of its identity through international art exhibitions and cultural programs. These efforts have established Bihar Museum as a cultural center where the heritage of the past and the creativity of the present are visible together.
Rare work of architecture.
After all, what does this ranking mean?
Bihar Museum reaching ninth place in the list of Worth a Journey is an indication that the cultural institutions of Bihar are now being discussed at the global level as well. Such rankings highlight aspects such as the historical importance of museums, their collections, presentation and visitor experience. However, it is also worth keeping in mind that this ranking is not an official list of any government organization or UNESCO. This is an independent global ranking released by the concerned magazine. Nevertheless, this achievement is very important for a state like Bihar, whose identity has long been associated with world famous historical heritages like Nalanda, Vikramshila, Vaishali, Bodh Gaya and ancient Magadha.
Now we have got recognition, we have to maintain it
According to experts, the success of any museum is not limited to achieving global ranking only. The real challenge is to maintain that identity for a long time. For this, it will be necessary to take better care of the collections, organize new exhibitions, expand research activities, educational programs for students and provide better facilities to tourists.
Listen what do you say Bihar Museum Director Ashok Kumar Sinha
Bihar Museum Director Ashok Kumar Sinha says that Bihar Museum is not an ordinary store house of artefacts, but an experience museum. According to him, the imagined throne of Chandragupta Maurya displayed here and the statue of Nirmal Yakshini recovered from Didarganj in 1917 especially attract the spectators. Getting the ninth position in the list of 100 best museums in the world is not just a ranking for Bihar Museum, but a symbol of global acceptance of Bihar's thousands of years old civilization and cultural heritage. This museum of Patna has now become not only a custodian of history but also a strong and modern platform to present the cultural identity of Bihar to the world.