The “Bihar Museum” in Patna has gained international acclaim by securing the ninth position in Worth a Journey’s World’s 100 Best Museums list for 2026. This recognition places it ahead of renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Louvre in Paris, which ranks 31st. The museum’s achievement highlights India’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to attract global attention.

Overview of Bihar Museum

Inaugurated in 2015, the Bihar Museum spans over 13 acres and has quickly become a key tourist destination in Patna. It features an extensive collection of historical artefacts that trace the evolution of civilisations up to 1764. The museum also showcases traditional, folk, and contemporary art, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of Bihar’s cultural landscape. Designed by the acclaimed Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, in collaboration with Mumbai-based Opolis Architects, the museum stands as a modern architectural marvel.

Prior to the establishment of the Bihar Museum, the city was home to the older Patna Museum, which struggled to adequately display its vast collection. The new museum was created to accommodate the region’s rich history and artefacts, providing a more suitable environment for public engagement and education.

Among its many features, the Bihar Museum includes a Children’s Gallery, which offers interactive displays related to animals, folk art, culture, and science. Additionally, the Diaspora Gallery highlights the contributions and presence of Biharis beyond their geographical borders. The museum also caters to visitors’ culinary interests with a restaurant that serves authentic Bihari cuisine.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

The main galleries of the Bihar Museum are open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, while remaining closed on Mondays. Other facilities, including the souvenir shop and café, operate beyond these hours. Ticket prices are set at Rs 100 for Indian adults and Rs 50 for children, while international visitors pay Rs 500 for adults and Rs 250 for children. It is advisable for potential visitors to check the museum’s official website for the latest information before planning their trip.

Despite its recent global recognition, the Bihar Museum has previously attracted attention from various public figures. Notably, German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann praised its curation and architectural design. Influential personalities, including Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and actor Manoj Bajpayee, have also expressed admiration for the museum’s exhibits, further enhancing its reputation.

Worth a Journey, the organisation behind the rankings, describes itself as a guide to destinations worth visiting. Its rankings are derived from an algorithm that analyses millions of data points from venues worldwide. These results are subsequently verified through on-site visits, ensuring that the rankings reflect actual experiences and conditions.

Global Context of the Ranking

The top five museums on Worth a Journey’s list include the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City, Museo del Prado in Madrid, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark, State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The recognition of the Bihar Museum alongside these prestigious institutions underscores its significance in the global cultural landscape.

This ranking not only elevates the profile of the Bihar Museum but also contributes to the broader narrative of India’s cultural heritage being acknowledged on an international platform. Such recognition is expected to encourage tourism and foster greater interest in the region’s historical and artistic contributions.

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