Thimphu, Bhutan - AUGUST 13, 2014: The National Textile Museum of Bhutan; Shutterstock ID 610666673; full: 65050; gl: 65050; netsuite: poi; your: Barbara Di Castro
610666673

Shutterstock / Jesse33

National Textile Museum

Top choice in Thimphu


Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy. It features a stunning display of ancient and modern textiles, and explores the rich traditions of Bhutan's national arts of thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (embroidery). The ground floor focuses on royal ghos, including the wedding clothes worn by the fourth king and his four wives. The upper floor introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and types of textiles made by women and men. No photography is allowed.

The museum shop offers some interesting books and fine textiles. Across the courtyard is the Royal Textile Academy conservation centre, where you can watch a small group of weavers working their looms.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Thimphu attractions

1. Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu

0.19 MILES

This studio and art gallery exists to promote local artists, to provide vocational training for young artists and to act as an artists' creative meeting…

2. Folk Heritage Museum

0.35 MILES

Set in a small orchard, this restored rammed-earth and timber building is furnished as it would have been about a century ago, providing a glimpse into…

3. Bhutan Postal Museum

0.38 MILES

Below the post office, this small museum is dedicated to the history of the Bhutan postal service, from its earliest days (when messages were delivered…

4. National Library

0.4 MILES

The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. For tourists it's of interest mainly for its dzong-like…

5. National Institute for Zorig Chusum

0.41 MILES

This institute, commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts…

6. Weekend Market

0.41 MILES

Thimphu's Weekend Market fills a maze-like pavilion on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, just north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the…

8. Zangto Pelri Lhakhang

0.46 MILES

Close to the Weekend Market, this modern chapel was built in the 1990s as a representation of Guru Rinpoche's celestial abode by Dasho Aku Tongmi, the…