Museums at Sheesh Mahal, Qila Mubarak in Patiala reopened for public
Punjab government taking major steps to preserving the state’s cultural heritage: Patiala DC
The state Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has reopened museums at Sheesh Mahal and Qila Mubarak for general public after a long time.
Visitors are arriving in significant numbers at the museum in the Durbar Hall of Qila Mubarak, while the newly renovated museum at Sheesh Mahal has also emerged as a major attraction among people due to the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Fair.
Sharing the details, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia stated that the museums housed within Patiala’s iconic heritage structures — Sheesh Mahal and Qila Mubarak — have been reopened during the Patiala Heritage Festival to offer citizens an opportunity to reconnect with the rich legacy of Patiala.
The museum at Sheesh Mahal has been reorganised into four dedicated sections — a Chinese art gallery displaying pottery, photographs and artefacts related to Buddhism and other traditions; a sculpture gallery featuring stone-carved figures of eminent personalities, including those from Patiala’s royal history; a portrait and collage gallery; and an ancient sculpture gallery housing historic statues and artefacts. Visitors to the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Fair have expressed immense enthusiasm, noting that the reopening of the museum is a valuable cultural gift for the people of Patiala.
About the museum reopened at the Durbar Hall of Qila Mubarak, Executive Assistant Shereen said it featured two main divisions: an ancient artefacts gallery and an arms and armour gallery.
Among the notable exhibits are antique chandeliers, a rare dual-sword scabbard, an original portrait of Guru Gobind Singh, daggers, mural paintings, early models of Itala and Fiat cars, a silver carriage 'bagghi', crafted in Kolkata and historic dressing tables. The exhibits have become a significant point of attraction for visitors.
Deputy Commissioner Walia added that reopening these museums is a matter of pride for the people of Patiala and aligns with the state government’s commitment to preserving heritage for future generations. He encouraged residents and tourists to visit the museums to witness the preserved artefacts and experience Punjab’s rich cultural history firsthand.
