Patan Museum

Patan Museum, Patan Overview

For anyone visiting the beautiful country of Nepal and interested in its culture and history in-depth, Patan Museum is a must-visit destination. Located in Lalitpur district, the Patan Museum is housed within an ancient residential court in Keshav Narayan Chowk. Patan Durbar, a former royal palace used by many Malla dynasty kings who ruled over Kathmandu Valley, is where the entire complex is located.

As a World Heritage Site, Patan Museum as part of an international campaign by UNESCO to revive and safeguard the precious monuments of Kathmandu valley. The Patan Durbar Square protection project was a joint effort by The Austrian Government and Nepal Government. Thus, this museum came into being as one of South Asia's most beautiful blend of cultures.
Along with the magnificence of original Nepalese architecture restored carefully to its glory, the interiors of the museum are also full of antique pieces reflecting the rich history and culture of Nepal and Kathmandu Valley.

Timings

Summers - 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Winters - 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
(closed on selective days, check website for more info)

Entry Fees

Nepali Nationals: NPR 30
Nepali Students (upon providing ID): NPR 15
SAARC Nationals: NPR 250
Foreign Nationals (except SAARC): NPR 1000

Architecture and Collections

Site Divisions
With the restoration of the Durbar Square and the establishment of the museum, site revamping processes were undertaken to fit a proper museum inside. An open garden area has been transformed into the beautiful Patan Museum Cafe at the back of the complex. This cafe offers authentic Nepalese delicacies in snacks and light meals, as well as western dishes and a range of beverages. There is also a gift shop selling charming handcrafted souvenirs for you to remember the museum by.
Within the Museum
Among the collections of Patan Museum, a majority are cast bronze and gilt copper repousse work from the different eras of Nepal's history, along with other ethnic crafts indigenous to Patan. There are traditional deities and artefacts akin to Hinduism and Buddhism, with their origins in India, Tibet, China or Nepal itself.

The Backstory

Initial Establishment
The actual inception of the complex is hard to place. Before it was a palatial residence for the Malla royalties of Kathmandu Valley, it used to be a Buddhist Monastery, whose foundations date back to around 1734 AD. Although the monastery was displaced, it is commemorated with the traditional annual public rite performed at the doorstep of the palace.
Historical Significance
However, it is believed that the site's initial foundation dates back to the rule of the Licchavis, which was between the 3rd and 9th century. It is almost a wonder that a premise so old still stands today, in most of its primordial splendour, if not all.
Restoring the Museum
The restoration process undertaken by the two governments is obviously to be thanked for that. After the resurrection activities were done, Patan Museum was finally open for the public in 1997, inaugurated by the late King of Nepal, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah.

How To Reach Patan Museum

The Patan Museum is approximately a 12-minute drive from the Nepal Border Central Office, via Bangalamukhi Road. However, bus facilities aren't available; thus you may either drive down via Lonla Tole Marga or take a 30-minute walk through the Shrinkala Galli or the Bangalamukhi and Sankhamul Road.