Certainly the finest museum in the country, dedicated to the religious arts of Nepal, it's definitely worth a visit. Housed in the former palace of the Malla kings, built in 1734 in the heart of Durbar Square, the Keshav Narayan Chowk, the museum was inaugurated in 1997. It boasts a unique site, a haughty testimony to traditional Newar architecture. Although, like all the buildings, it was only slightly damaged by the 2015 earthquake, it has now been renovated. The café-restaurant has been renovated in the garden, offering an enchanting setting for a coffee break.
Visit. You'll need to take the time to explore the two floors and the first floor, and to read the many detailed explanations, both religious and historical. Alcoves and showcases highlight the exhibits (over 200 devotional objects, statues and sculptures). The whole is highly instructive, and the objects well displayed. Visitors learn how to recognize the gods: their positions, finery and clothing, and their attributes. The well-presented explanations help you find your way through the multitude of gods. The tour offers an interesting insight into Buddhism and Hinduism, a glimpse of the links between these two religions and, more generally, a different approach to Nepal's history. The exhibition also presents the different techniques used to create these remarkable pieces. The museum boasts an exceptional collection of bronze statues from the Malla period (XIIᵉ-XVIIIᵉ century). Highlights include the meditating Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara (Lokeshvara), bodhisattva of compassion, and the statue of Nataraja (dancing Shiva). Allow a good two hours to visit the whole complex. And you'll want to take a good look at Gallery H, where you'll discover that Durbar Square hasn't changed much in over a century. Very good souvenir, book and handicraft stores.
The garden and the royal bath. Among its many courtyards, the Tusha Hiti royal bath, dating back to the Malla period, is located within the old palace compound. Carved out of stone and accessible by stairs, this sunken pool features a cross- or lotus-shaped design, symbolizing spiritual purity. It is adorned with spouts carved with mythological creatures such as the makara. Once used for the ritual purification of the king, it is now a remarkable example of Newar architecture and hydraulic engineering.
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Further information
Opening time and information on PATAN MUSEUM
Open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Ticket at Rs. 1,000 with entrance to Durbar Square.
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Members' reviews on PATAN MUSEUM
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
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Le musée est spécialisé dans les sculptures hindoues et bouddhistes et présente des œuvres datant de plus de 1 000 ans. De nombreux objets sont fabriqués en bronze, en pierre et en bois, mettant en valeur le savoir-faire exceptionnel des artisans newars. Parmi les objets les plus prisés, on trouve des statues sculptées de divinités hindoues telles que Vishnu, Shiva et Durga, ainsi que des icônes bouddhistes telles qu'Avalokiteshvara et Tara.
L'architecture du musée lui-même est un chef-d'œuvre. Le bâtiment, qui fait partie de l'ancien complexe du palais royal, allie le design traditionnel des Newars aux techniques de restauration modernes. Sa façade en briques rouges, ses fenêtres en bois sculptées et ses cours ouvertes reflètent la grandeur de la période Malla au Népal. Les galeries du musée sont aménagées avec soin et offrent des explications détaillées sur la signification historique, culturelle et religieuse de chaque artefact.
Au-delà de ses expositions, le musée offre aux visiteurs un aperçu des traditions philosophiques et spirituelles de la région. Des expositions interactives et des panneaux d'information en font une expérience attrayante pour les habitants de la région et les touristes internationaux.
Le musée de Patan n'est pas seulement un dépôt d'objets, c'est aussi une célébration du patrimoine artistique du Népal. Avec son ambiance sereine et sa valeur éducative, il offre une occasion unique de se plonger dans l'histoire et la spiritualité de l'une des plus anciennes cultures du monde. La visite du musée est une expérience enrichissante qui permet aux visiteurs d'apprécier davantage l'art intemporel du Népal.