Jalan Museum 🇮🇳

If you are exploring the historical city of Patna in Bihar, northern India, a visit to the Jalan Museum—locally known as Quila House—offers a rare look into a remarkable private art collection. Built in 1919 along the scenic banks of the Ganga river in Patna's old town, this unique structure blends English and Dutch architectural styles. It stands out as one of only two private museums in the entire state of Bihar.

As you tour the venue, you will discover the extraordinary personal legacy of Diwan Bahadur Radha Krishna Jalan (R.K. Jalan), a businessman and avid art collector who lived from 1882 to 1954. The museum houses an impressive assemblage of approximately 10,000 objets d'art and antiques, largely dating from the modern period.

Your journey through the exhibits will reveal a diverse array of items crafted from stone, metal, terra cotta, ivory, glass, and porcelain. While many of the featured art objects hail from Europe, you can also admire select pieces originating from the far and near eastern countries of Asia. Since part of Quila House remains the private residence of the Jalan family, visiting offers an exclusive, intimate cultural experience inside a historic private home.

What to see at Jalan Museum

• One of only two private museums in Bihar state
• English and Dutch architectural style built in 1919
• Collection of around 10,000 objets d'art and antiques
• Artifacts made of stone, metal, terra cotta, ivory, glass, and porcelain
• European artworks alongside far and near eastern Asian pieces

Visiting tips

Be sure to schedule your visit in advance, as a prior appointment made 48 hours before your arrival is required.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Mondays to Saturdays between 9 am and 11 am

How to get there & what’s nearby

Jalan Museum is easy to reach on Patna’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mahatma Gandhi Setu and Bihar Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Patna travel guide.