Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya image

Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya

Tourist attraction Museum Archaeological museum

👍 If you are interested in ancient sculpture and pillars, it's the best destination for you... the sculpture of lord Buddha from 9th century carved on monolith what a masterpiece... The museum contains many posture of lord Buddha and pillars from 5th century, pots beads and many more... The museum is... People often mention museum, Buddha, Mahabodhi, sculptures, visit, Buddhist, temple, statues, Lord, Museum,


Address

MXVP+XX8, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824231, India

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (437 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (56) Buddha (26) Mahabodhi (12) sculptures (12) visit (12) Buddhist (11) temple (10) statues (10) Lord (9) Museum (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Avanish S. 3 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    If you are interested in ancient sculpture and pillars, it's the best destination for you... the sculpture of lord Buddha from 9th century carved on monolith what a masterpiece... The museum contains many posture of lord Buddha and pillars from 5th century, pots beads and many more... The museum is at a peaceful and pleasent place a few steps from holy Mahabodhi temple.... A must visited place for any religious affiliation.....
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Debasish B. 2 years ago on Google • 220 reviews
    Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum, situated close to the famous Mahabodhi Temple, was set up in the year 1956. The museum houses some excellent and rare antique collections including terracotta items, sculptures from the 1st century and idols of Hindu gods made of silver, bronze and gold, among others. In a gallery inside, visitors can see all the Dasavatara or incarnations of Lord Vishnu. There are enormous idols of Lord Buddha in abhayamudra position and varaha avatar displayed in the museum. Also on display here are objects belonging to the Mauryan and Gupta periods and coins from the Mughal era.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janardan K. 2 years ago on Google • 185 reviews
    The Archaeological Survey of India has established this museum at Bodhgaya to protect,preserve and propagate the legacy of the region.It is open on all days( except Friday )from 9 am to 5 pm.It is charging admission fee of Rs10/_per person (except children below age of 15 years) Inside campus drinking water and well maine toilet facility is available.Inside museum cleanness and silence is maintained PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED INSIDE THE MUSEUM About 300 priceless antiquities have been displayed in the museum The museum is having images of lord Buddha in different mudras like bhumiasparsa mudra,dhyan mudra,abhay mudra,dharmachakra pravartan mudra,varada mudra It's period is 9th to 10th cent CE It has displayed image of crowned Buddha,Tara-Buddhist goddess,Manjushree-God of wisdom,Maitreya-Future Buddha,Jambhal-wealth God ,Avalokitesvara,It has displayed stone railingscarved in sandstone and granite belonging to the main Mahabodhi temple. I am not capable in giving details of all antiquities preserved in the museum,but if you have come to visit Bodhgaya and want to see finest sculptures of Buddhist affiliation you should spare some time for visiting this great museum
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rajarshi S. 2 months ago on Google • 265 reviews New
    The museum is somewhat hidden from the travelers with less or no awareness of many locals, shopkeepers. The government museum has a fair collection of art found in Bihar. We were conflicting instructions from 2 security persons based in two galleries regarding photography. We captured few but not sure whether it’s allowed or not. Better to check before you start taking photos. The main entrance of the building leads to large hall where a large ancient hall has almost been put up. However, with very less documentation and no guide, it’s certainly has opportunities for improvement. Restrooms are moderately clean. Overall, good educative visit candidate for an hour or so.

  • 4/5 ASHUTOSH SINGH G. 1 year ago on Google • 35 reviews
    Buddha's related remains are kept here. Pillars of sandstones carved with life events of Buddha and statues carved out of stones are kept here. Most things are from 8th to 9th BC or from 8th to 9th AD and few are from 1st and 2nd BC. Most statues of Buddha are in sitting pose, mainly in Bhumisparsha mudra. Museum is in very good condition with full lights and air-conditioning. Note: Mobile phones are not allowed inside the museum.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thiha Lu L. 11 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    It is a really nice place to study masterpiece images of Buddhist affiliation. I love to see the Main Hall which has kept sandstones and granite belonging to the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya. There is 3 rooms in this museum: main hall, gallery 1 and gallery 2. Not too big but powerful and informative. It costs 10 rupees per person as an entrance fee.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 pk 2 years ago on Google • 80 reviews
    Collection of ancient monuments of 9- 10 centuries of Buddhist importance. There is minimal ticket charge for Indian national. Must visit for intermidiate huminities students as there is lots of related sculpture related to syllabus
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Atul G. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice place to visit. Many ancient statue related to buddha can be found here. 10 rupees ticket. Place is neat and clean
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 pratima p. 2 months ago on Google • 146 reviews New
    Hardly any visitors to this Museum which has the historic artefacts.

  • 5/5 Somnath B. 3 years ago on Google
    The antiquity of the Mahabodhi temple includes the ruins preserved in this museum. Also see the finest Buddhist sculptures from eastern India, most though disfigured by history. Nonetheless, a treasure trove.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sourav s. 5 years ago on Google
    Great museum
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ADESH R. 3 years ago on Google
    Apna _Bihar....Awesome place
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Umang K. 1 year ago on Google
    One would think that an archaeological museum in Bodh-Gaya, such an important Buddhist site, would be organized in a special manner. Yet, ASI, with all resources at its command, presents a museum that is underwhelming. Of course one is glad that there exists a museum. But ASI needs to learn from museums elsewhere how to display and exhibit priceless artifacts. When I visited, one of the galleries with the railings was under repair. You could still walk around but workers were at work and some artifacts had been removed from their positions. I am not sure that there was adequate precaution against damage to the objects while the repair was on. At any rate, what was a little unsatisfactory to me was the indifferent nature of the cataloging and the labels. They were the bare minimum. "Buddha - Bhumisparsha mudra - 9-10 CE etc." Some more informational displays, some more background could have been immensely helpful. What is the importance of the building material used, which styles of architecture and sculpture are there and what are the key features. What is the significance of statues of Prajñaparamita and Nairatmaya Buddha? Is it Bhairava or Mahakala? What do the Ashokan Brahmi dedicatory inscriptions say? With past illustrious ASI members such as Dr Debala Mitra and HD Sankalia having written about Bodh Gaya etc, the current ASI can at least emulate their scholarship and present a more well-researched exhibition of these priceless objects. I was lucky I requested for some sort of book/booklet at the ticket counter on my way out. And they gave me the small brochure whose photos I have attached. Such information should be available to all visitors. Bodh-Gaya is an international destination. The ASI has a great opportunity to put forth a professional exhibition and showcase the treasures of that region. Timings - 9AM - 5PM ** Since I was foolish - and impatient - for more information I bought a book titled The Art of Bodhgaya from amazon by who else but a former ASI official. A glossy, well produced book, it has all the information about the objects in the museum at least! Esp the railings. So the information is our there - just that ASI does not think it fit for the common people I guess! From further reading of a variety of sources I gathered that a lot of the art and sculpture is of the Pala period - late 8th to 12th CE? The Bhumisparsha mudra images and the prajña images are typical of that period. The Brahmi lettering are often donative. Janice Leoshko, Susan Huntington, Jacob Kinnard et al have nice volumes dealing with relevant issues. Of course Alexander Cunningham. Also check out a book called The Mahabodhi Temple by Suresh Bhatia - a labor of love.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gautam s. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice and clean. Not much crowded. Museum consists only the things related to buddha.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Denzi Yishey (. 1 year ago on Google
    most of the original excavations from the nearby Mahabodhi temple are kept at this small Musuem. It’s small and can be done in an hour. The entry fee for Indian is RS10
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 shilpi n. 2 months ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    This is located in Bodh gaya main market. It contains the statues, pillars, artefacts of buddhism and hinduism. Coins, small utensils, earthen pots etc are the artifacts from the pre-historic to Pala period unearthed from excavations . Good to spend 20-30 minutes here.

  • 4/5 RANBIR GUHA SECRETARY OF KOLKATA IN N. 5 years ago on Google
    It is a very beautiful mesuem i must say you should visit their when you came to Bodh Gaya I went their with my mom, dad, brother and maternal uncle
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Manoj B. 5 months ago on Google
    The museum was established in the year 1956. it has two galleries and an open courtyard and two verandahs displaying the antiquities. The museum exhibits bronze and stone sculptures of Buddhist and Brahmanical faith of pala period, scenes related to Buddhist pantheon, Surya, Zodiac signs on railings of Sunga age, etc. Entry fee is 10/-, Timings are 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. It remain closed on Friday.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hrishi Raj B. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice museum with lord buddha sculptures
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarvatra Sanskritam सर्वत्र �. 4 years ago on Google
    Good museum
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aadil D. 5 years ago on Google
    This is a lovely museum in Bodh Gaya well worth visiting to see all the artefacts from the local area with three different eras showcased here. There is a whole area with the carved pillars and fencing around the temple displayed here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rahul k. 5 years ago on Google
    Don't miss to visit this place . This place many incredible things .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sanjit Kumar B. 5 years ago on Google
    EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF SCULPTURES AND ARTEFACTS DATE BACK TO THE EARLY AGE. WELL MAINTAINED MUSEUM. EACH COLLECTION IS PROPERLY LABLED. PHOTOGRAPHY NOT ALLOWED.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anant B. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful to see the remains of Buddha, our 9th Avtaar of God Vishnu , and sad to see how Muslim Khilji who committed sin to destroy Religious Temples of importance. ASI job well done by safe preservation
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sriram S. 5 years ago on Google
    Visit if you have the luxury of time. Contains some important ruins and statues. Also talks about the early life of Buddha.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nikhil S. 4 years ago on Google
    ASI-run museum. Small, can be covered in 10 minutes. Descriptions available with ea h artefact. Entry 10/- rupees per adult.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kripanand P. 4 years ago on Google
    Bot much attractive.. can be visited once to spend free time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abhinav R. 2 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    It's amazing, all the old statues and sculptures found between 5-10th century

  • 2/5 Relax with n. 3 years ago on Google
    Ok

  • 4/5 Ranu G. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice.. lot of information for those who are interested in lord Buddha nd the archaeological remains of history.. 👍 If not interested in history then u will feel boring..

  • 4/5 CH K. 1 year ago on Google
    Cleanly maintained, spacious calm with AC cooling. Just three halls with artifacts and clear descriptions. Entry at INR 10/-. No photography allowed inside.

  • 5/5 Ashish N. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice museum with reasonably good collection of ancient period. Original stone-fencing structure of the Mahabodhi temple (constructed by Samrat Ashoka) is preserved in this museum.

  • 5/5 no n. 4 years ago on Google
    Well maintained and many things to see if you really want to see 9th and 10th century stuffs

  • 3/5 Manotosh b. 4 years ago on Google
    Required more collection

  • 5/5 Shiv N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) SHIVNANDAN KUMAR (Original) SHIVNANDAN kumar

  • 4/5 Dinesh Kumar D. 4 years ago on Google
    All the ruins of budhh pilgrims are kept for tourists. Can do it better but still informative, a must quick visit

  • 4/5 Himanshu Kumar G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice and clean, so many historical items and stone statue of Buddha

  • 4/5 VICKY R. 1 year ago on Google
    Here you can see Buddha statue, made between 800 ad to 1200 ad.

  • 3/5 Ashish G. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum feels rundown with very few artefacts. It could have been better imo. I believe the prices of tickets are too low at just 20 rupees. How do you expect to keep up maintenance for a museum at a destination that the travelers from all over the world come to see. The whole narrative of the museum could have been better. Air-conditioning were set to 17c but none of them work. I request the management to overhaul this museum which has potential to be truly great.

  • 4/5 Garima V. 2 years ago on Google
    Well preserved magnificent remains of Buddha era. Must visit place ✅

  • 5/5 sandeep b. 1 year ago on Google
    The Museum contains remaining statues and articles that where extracted from the surroundings of the temple site. A visit to the museum is quite reasonable to know more about Buddhism. Quietly one can spend 30 - 40 mins to know more. Generally not so crowded. Ticket price Rs 10/-

  • 3/5 Philippa R. 5 years ago on Google
    Since July 2018 the ASI are supposed to have withdrawn the need for professional photographers to take photographs in ASI monuments. But still the guards here stop ordinary people from photographing the quite lovely exhibits. Why is this?

  • 4/5 Prashant R. 7 months ago on Google
    The museum was established in the year 1956. The museum consists of two galleries and an open courtyard as well as two verandahs displaying the antiquities. The museum exhibits bronze and stone sculptures of Buddhist and Brahmanical faith of pala period, scenes related to Buddhist pantheon, Surya, Zodiac signs on railings of Sunga age, etc. The first gallery exhibits sculptures including standing Yakshi figure having elaborate coiffure, crowned Buddha in Bhumisparsamudra, Maiterya, images of Buddha in different attitude, standing image of Manjusri, terracotta plaque depicting Buddha in Bhumisparshmudra, railing pillar depicting Surya, panel showing Sahasra Buddha, copper antimony rod, miniature pot, etc. In second gallery are exhibited sculptures associated with Buddhist and Brahmanical faith. Among them mention may be made of panel showing Sapta matrika, Dikpalas, Dasavatara of Lord Vishnu. The courtyard of the museum contains railing pillars, cross bars and coping stones which were shifted from Mahabodhi temple premises to the museum. In outer verandah of the museum one colossal image of standing Buddha in abhayamudra and the varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu is on display in the inner verandah.

  • 5/5 Amit kumar vlog a. 7 months ago on Google
    Only 10 rupees for ticket air conditioner And toilet available

  • 4/5 Godwin G. 4 years ago on Google
    Just sculptures of Budha and some stones of 9-10 century . Maximum 15 minutes enough to cover this museum for just Rs.10

  • 4/5 Arifa S. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice place

  • 3/5 Dr T. 5 years ago on Google
    It's good maintained. But I don't know why it's rule not to take pictures of archeological things ,even of a statue placed on front gate. The reality is that aal pictures of these things are present on Internet. The biggest museum of India,Kolkata Museum and Delhi museum both are having permission for photography but this small Gaya Museum has prohibited. Cannot guess why ASI are not allowing this even they can earn money.

  • 5/5 Chitralekha 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of things to see and its amazing all dated 6th 11th century

  • 5/5 Tenzin T. 4 years ago on Google
    A well maintained museum with clean ambience. The staff are also very friendly and it showcases the different archeological finds, idols and artifacts related to lord buddha and bihar at large. Good place to bring students and family if you are in bodhgaya.

  • 5/5 priyank p. 5 years ago on Google
    Very decent museum. It has AC and good lighting. The sculpture and monuments have adequate description and one who comes bodh gaya must also Visit here.

  • 4/5 Minakhi P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice and modest place to learn and see some statues of Lord Buddha. P.S. When I visited the place on 3rd April, 2019 the museum was still under construction.

  • 4/5 Mohiuddin O. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice place to spend time.

  • 4/5 Bhaskar S. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice museum.....quite well

  • 5/5 Sagar S. 5 years ago on Google
    Many historical statues are here

  • 4/5 Mikul's V. 5 years ago on Google
    This museum was established in 1956 that is located near the Mahabodhi Temple. It has an excellent collection of several Hindu and Buddhist relics, stone sculptures, terracotta items, Lord Buddha images, miniature pot, coping stones that were transported from the famous Mahabodhi Temple and copper antimony rod. In the second gallery of the museum the visitors are acquainted with the Dasavatara (Incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. The popular attractions of the museum are the huge idols of Lord Buddha in abhayamudra position and varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu. The coins of the Mughal era, antique relics and monuments belonging to the Mauryan and Gupta period are also on display for the visitors.

  • 2/5 Sourav P. 4 years ago on Google
    Poor collection and maintenance

  • 5/5 Suman 5 years ago on Google
    Camera is not allowed in the museum. So you can not click pictures of antiques and monuments. If you want to click pictures, you will have to get permission from ASI.

  • 3/5 Vasudha T. 4 years ago on Google
    Average

  • 3/5 MD SAIF A. 5 years ago on Google
    No much more ancient sculptures

  • 4/5 Sanjeet M. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice to visit

  • 4/5 The D. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical and Educational place.

  • 5/5 Abhishek J. 2 years ago on Google
    Old stone Buddha statue are available for visitors

  • 5/5 Saawariya F. 4 years ago on Google
    Museum

  • 4/5 tushar m. 5 years ago on Google
    I don't have any pic bt its amazing.

  • 3/5 mitul b. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 vinay s. 2 years ago on Google
    All my family visit the museum in Bodhgaya so nice place There are some things, I did not see. he goes to the museum to see

  • 4/5 vinay s. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good museum to know about archaeological dig done in bodh gaya Lots of status of Buddha and remains of places Has toilet facilities Parking available Can take 30mins to see place

  • 5/5 SANDEEP K. 3 years ago on Google
    Best musium for BUDHHA's HISTORY

  • 5/5 kh k. 2 years ago on Google
    I remember this museum. There is no convienence for the monuments. No air conditioner, no explanation on each one. But I miss it. I don't know why. I just want to visit here again. I remember the peaceful atmosphere nere by there.

  • 5/5 saurav s. 2 years ago on Google
    The staff's behavior is very courteous and good place to stay.

  • 5/5 RANJAN S. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a small museum having old amd historical articles digged all around nalanda district. Many of the statues of lord buddha was beheaded by Muslim invaders are kept there.

  • 5/5 Sudhinder M. 2 years ago on Google
    Good collection in the museum of the artifacts that were originally in the Mahabodhi temple

  • 1/5 G M. 4 years ago on Google
    Open today but of no use as renovation work going on. Can’t really enter!


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