Patna, Bihar.

What is the first thought that comes to your mind?

The capital of an underdeveloped state, famous for Bhojpuri movies, Ganga River and a major league Kabaddi team?

Well, although this conception is not entirely false, there are a lot of untapped places and structures, in Bihar, which more than half of the nation is unaware of. Amongst the prevalent structures like, Golghar, Kumhrur and the Patna Museum, there is a new and modern museum called ‘The Bihar Museum’ which was opened to public in 2017.

Concerned about the lack of developed tourist attractions and a medium of showcasing the history, culture and the essence of Bihar, the Department of Art, Culture and Youth (DACY) along with the Building Construction Department (BCD) announced an architectural competition for the designing of a structure to fulfil these factors. Several international firms teamed up with Indian architects to submit their entries, and the designs by Maki and Associates from Japan in collaboration with Opolis from Mumbai, were given the green signal and taken forward.

Situated near the 100 year old Patna Museum and along the Bailey Road in Patna, the site offered 13.3 acres of land along with low scale buildings and a prominence of trees around it. Observing the context around, the designers decided upon creating a “campus-like” museum instead of the conventional dynamic structure. They divided the functions of the museum into four different zones: The entrance and events area, exhibition area, administration and educational spaces for children. The division of these zones into different spaces was a major factor in the conceptualization of the design, which consecutively helped them to design inter-connected buildings and landscapes in a harmonious way. 

Each structure has its own appeal and aura and a distinctive form, which are linked to together via both internal and external courtyards, plazas and bridges, all in one complex. The multi-faceted museum consists of seven galleries spread across two floors which exhibit Bihar’s art and culture in a beautiful demeanour. Conscious effort has been put in to design spaces which yield a play of light and shadows, and remain sheltered and comfortable throughout the year. Semi-open corridors with openings on one side, facing the lush green gardens, generate a sense of curiosity and a different character to the same, at each time of the day.

The Bihar Museum, being Maki and Associates’ first project in India, displays subtle Japanese attributes, like the concept of “oku” in the modern version of the jali wall screens. Along with creating beautiful renderings owing to the perforations, they also create a sense of anticipation for the visitors. Except from being a Museum to display artefacts, it is an educative place for children and also meditative Buddha courtyards, which enables the visitors to experience various elements in an amalgamation of diverse functions. This also encourages the visitors to visit the museum more than once, since there are various functions and spatial features that the complex has to offer.  

The materials used in the interior and exterior have been carefully thought of, considering Bihar’s prominence in steel which depicts India’s achievements in metallurgy and international steel industries. 

Keeping in mind the surroundings of greenery around the site, a contrast of colours and elements have been applied. To supplement the use of steel in the structure, stone, terracotta and glass finishes have been annexed, which are connected to Bihar’s past and future. Earthy brown colours of these materials work well in convergence to the context and provide a picturesque view of the entire campus in totality, from the main road.  

The external surfaces of the buildings have been cladded with Corten steel, which is a zero-maintenance and durable material, beneficial for sustaining the life and aesthetics of the Museum for years to come. 

While the construction of the Museum began in June 2013, it was almost completed in October 2017, with some sectors of the structure yet to be finished. It was partially opened for the public in August 2015, including spaces like the “children’s museum” and an orientation theatre. 

Exhibition installations along with the final finishing are underway and are slated to be completed in 2018.The structure reflects the combination of Indian and International standards and has become an avid tourist, relaxing and educational attraction for the people.