Patan Museum
Patan Museum is located inside Patan Durbar Square at Keshav
Narayan Chowk's residential palace specializes in bronze statues and religious
objects. Some of the art goes back to as early as the 11th century. Some of the
art goes back to as early as the llth century, and there is evidence that
certain objects date from the period of the Lichhavi kings. Most of the statues
are of Buddha, Bishnu, Lokeswar, and Devi, covering both the Hindu and the
Buddhisf iconology. The museum has recently been completely renovated which has
enhanced its appeal.
In order to get to the museum you first have to enter the
Royal Palace grounds, which is where you will find the richly decorated palace
complex of Keshav Narayan Chowk. These palaces, situated in the Kathmandu
Valley, have for centuries been home to the Malla kings who have always
inhabited this region for centuries.
The museum's exhibits interestingly cover a long span of
Nepalese cultural history, religious aspects and some rare objects are among
its treasures. These rare art facts belong both to Buddhist and Hindu
traditions. Most of the exhibits have been cast in bronzes and have Gilt Copper
repose work, for which Patan is famous. . The Museum has over 1,500 objects in
its national sacred art collection - a prized possession - but visitors will
only have the chance to view two hundred out of all of them. The two hundred
that are on permanent display have been carefully chosen so that visitors are
given the best examples of artwork that represents the sacred art collection.
The Patan Museum went through a needed restoration process
supported by Government of Nepal. The building had experienced many bad
alterations and due to the lack of care and maintenance over the years it was
deemed necessary. Some parts of the building were redone and reconstructed to
their original form, while other sections of the museum were completely redone.
The facilities inside the building were also upgraded and it was finally opened
again in 1997. The Patan Museum is definitely worth a visit. After all its
inside the World Heritage sites of Nepal.
Timing: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, except Tuesday
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