In a proud development for India, the Bihar Museum in Patna has secured the ninth position in the world and emerged as the highest-ranked museum in Asia in the 2026 global list published by Worth a Journey, an international travel magazine. The achievement has brought international attention to the museum and its contribution to preserving India’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Renowned art collector Vivek Abrol, who visited the museum a while ago, says he is delighted to see Bihar Museum receive global recognition. Congratulating the museum, Abrol says, “When I visited Bihar Museum, I could see its immense potential. Abrol had expressed confidence in the museum’s potential of becoming a globally known place when he visited it. With the latest recognition, that prediction has taken on a new significance. I felt it had everything needed to become one of the finest museums in the world. It is a proud moment for Bihar and for India. Vivek Abrol during his visit to the museum
Seeing it receive this recognition today makes me extremely happy.
The Bihar Museum, opened in 2017 has brought Bihar’s rich history to life through ancient sculptures, rare coins, manuscripts and artifacts spanning centuries. Earlier reporting noted: Patna’s Bihar Museum beats New York’s Met and Paris’ Louvre, secures 9th place on World’s 100 Best Museums 2026 list Bihar Museum in Patna has earned a place among the world’s leading cultural institutions, securing the ninth position on the World’s 100 Best Museums 2026 list released by Germany-based travel guide Worth a Journey. Here’s how to choose between statement art and a gallery wall ) Earlier reporting noted: Bihar Museum is reportedly the only Indian institution to feature on this year’s list of 100 museums.
One of its most celebrated treasures is the Didarganj Yakshi, a Mauryan-era sculpture known for its intricate craftsmanship. The museum’s galleries preserve stories that have shaped India’s past, under the leadership of Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of Bihar Museum. Speaking about Anjani Kumar Singh, Abrol adds, “His vision and hard work have helped make it a world-class institution, and it is wonderful to see the museum receive this much-deserved recognition. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app. The achievement also makes it the highest-ranked museum in Asia, placing it ahead of prominent institutions such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which features at 10th place, and the Louvre in Paris, ranked 31st. (Also read: Want to decorate an empty wall? Worth a Journey , a travel guide and magazine based in Munich, publishes rankings across several categories, including museums, libraries, parks, palaces and hotels. Its assessment combines algorithm-based analysis of data from institutions around the world with verification through in-person visits.