Patna: Patna Museum, a cultural landmark chronicling the rich history of Bihar, is undergoing a significant transformation as part of a Rs 158 crore upgradation and expansion project led by the state’s Building Construction Department. The redevelopment, now in its final phase, aims to blend heritage with modernity, offering visitors a more immersive and technologically advanced experience.
Among the key additions are two newly curated galleries – the Ganga Gallery and the Patali Gallery. The Ganga Gallery showcases the journey of the sacred river as it flows through seven cultural regions of Bihar, brought to life through artefacts and vivid paintings. Meanwhile, the Patali Gallery delves into the ancient glory of Pataliputra, modern-day Patna, drawing upon accounts by historical travellers such as Megasthenes and Fa-Hien.
The museum now boasts a host of upgraded facilities, including a 105-seat auditorium, a 2D auditorium, a conservation laboratory, a temporary exhibition hall, and a modern storehouse for artefacts. Restoration work on the museum’s heritage building and existing galleries is progressing swiftly.
Speaking on the project, Kumar Ravi, Secretary of the Building Construction Department, said the goal is to enhance public engagement with history using modern tools. “Visitors will be able to experience history in an engaging way through audio-visual storytelling,” he said.
Beyond the galleries, the museum complex itself is being reimagined. New additions include a ticket counter area with a shed, a cafeteria, a VIP lounge, and a temporary gallery—further elevating the visitor experience.
