The Patan Durbar Museum, located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Patan Durbar Square, is set to expand with the addition of a new exhibition hall. The expansion aims to further the museum’s mission of preserving and promoting historical art.
Currently, the museum features three historical buildings housing various exhibitions. The addition of the new hall will focus on showcasing traditional art, according to Sureshman Lakhe, the museum’s director. The expansion work is expected to be completed before International Museum Day in May, with the new exhibition hall set to open soon thereafter.

The new space will highlight the process of creating artistic sculptures, showcasing stages of statue-making using stone, wood, and metal. Lakhe mentioned that the exhibition would demonstrate the step-by-step process of statue creation.
Additionally, local artists from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur are contributing to the museum’s new collection. Lalitpur’s folk artist will offer paubha art, while Bhaktapur’s woodcarver Indrakaji Silpakar will present wooden art pieces. Furthermore, Chandrashyam Dangol from Bhainsepati, Lalitpur, will donate stone sculptures. All artists will be honored during the inauguration ceremony.

Lakhe emphasized that the new exhibition will not only feature artistic sculptures but also highlight other historical artifacts, particularly focusing on the process of turning raw stone and wood into artistic sculptures. The expansion aims to offer tourists an opportunity to explore traditional craftsmanship and culture.
The addition of the new exhibition hall will enhance the museum’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists, offering a diverse range of historical and artistic displays. Lakhe noted that such a step was necessary to maintain the museum’s allure and promote tourism, ensuring that visitors continue to be engaged with new and enriching exhibits.