New Delhi: The Bihar Museum beat the Paris Louvre and New York’s Met Museum to secure the 9th spot in the 2026 list of the world’s 100 best museums.
In the ranking published by Worth a Journey, an international travel magazine, the Bihar Museum in Patna was ranked first in Asia and is the only Indian museum on the list.
Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, said this is a seminal moment of recognition.
“May this be the beginning of a museum renaissance in India,” wrote Mahindra on X.
Mahindra said that the Bihar Museum in Patna ranking 9th globally and best in Asia is simply staggering.
“And it has the potential to be a game changer for the museum-going experience in India. Because it raised the bar for every museum that exists in this country and every museum yet to be built,” wrote Mahindra.
He added that what makes this achievement even more remarkable is the story behind it.
“Conceived and championed by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, & brought to life through the sustained efforts of the Bihar government and committed administrators. A great example of vision, administrative determination and world-class creative collaboration,” he wrote.
Mentioning the Bihar Museum, Worth a Journey magazine wrote that it is a modern state museum in Patna that traces Bihar’s history from the Stone Age to modern times through sculptures, manuscripts, and folk art.
“A spacious building with open courtyards and lawns houses chronological galleries, a children’s gallery and a short history film,” it wrote.
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Journey of Bihar Museum
In 2013, the construction of Bihar Museum started in Patna, and it was partially opened to the public in 2015.
Opened completely in 2017, within years it has become a landmark in Patna that brings Bihar’s rich history to life through ancient sculptures, rare coins, manuscripts and artifacts spanning centuries.
One of its most celebrated treasures is the Didarganj Yakshi, a remarkable Mauryan-era sculpture known for its distinctive polished finish and intricate craftsmanship.
From the Mauryan, Gupta and Pala periods to Buddhist and Jain heritage, its galleries preserve stories that have shaped India’s past.
With dedicated spaces for children, interactive learning and cultural exhibitions, the museum makes history accessible to a new generation.
“The museum brings together remarkable collections of historical artefacts, sculptures, coins, manuscripts and folk art, offering visitors a compelling journey through the region’s past,” wrote the Bihar Tourism Department on X.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)