Patna: The Bihar Museum Society has emerged as a national role model in museum development and is playing a significant role in the establishment and development of nine museums across India, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on Tuesday.
Chairing a meeting of the Bihar Museum Society’s governing body at Bihar Museum in Patna, the chief minister said the institution’s growing national recognition reflects Bihar’s expertise in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
According to officials, the Bihar Museum Society is currently providing technical assistance, consultancy and guidance for museum projects in several states, including New Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha and Telangana.
Bihar Museum Records More Than 5 Lakh Visitors
The chief minister noted that Bihar Museum registered more than five lakh ticketed visitors during the previous year, underlining its increasing popularity among tourists, students and researchers.
“Bihar Museum is not merely a museum. It is a living centre of Bihar’s identity, pride and knowledge traditions,” he said during the meeting.
He added that the institution represents Bihar’s rich cultural, historical and civilisational heritage and should continue to be developed according to world-class standards.
Foundation Day Celebrations to Be Held in August
The meeting reviewed preparations for the museum’s foundation day celebrations scheduled from August 7 to August 10, 2026.
The chief minister directed officials to ensure a grand and impactful event that highlights Bihar’s historical achievements, cultural legacy and development journey before a wider audience.
He said the celebrations should serve as a platform to showcase the state’s heritage and accomplishments at both national and international levels.
Focus on Folk Arts and Cultural Heritage
The governing body also emphasised the need to give greater prominence to Bihar’s folk arts, folk culture and traditional artistic practices in the museum’s biennial programmes and activities.
He said folk traditions are an integral part of Bihar’s cultural identity and that the museum can play a vital role in their preservation and promotion.
Officials were asked to design future programmes that provide wider exposure to local artists, traditional art forms and indigenous cultural practices.
Diploma Courses Under Consideration
The chief minister stressed the importance of linking the museum sector with tourism, skill development and employment generation.
During the discussion, officials explored plans to introduce diploma courses in tour guiding, design and folk arts.
According to the government, such programmes could create employment-oriented opportunities for young people while strengthening efforts to preserve and promote Bihar’s cultural heritage.
Plan to Enhance Visitor Experience
CM directed officials to make Bihar Museum more attractive, accessible and useful for students, researchers, tourists and the general public.
He also called for a dedicated action plan to strengthen the national and international visibility of Bihar’s cultural and historical heritage through museum-based initiatives.
Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Art and Culture Minister Dr Pramod Kumar, Bihar Museum Director General Anjani Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Urban Development and Housing Department Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar, Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav, Public Health Engineering Department Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Education Department Secretary Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, Chief Minister’s Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Art and Culture Department Secretary Pranav Kumar, Patna Divisional Commissioner Mayank Barbare and other officials of the Bihar Museum Society.
