In a significant consolidation of Bhutan’s cultural institutions, the National Museum of Bhutan, Royal Heritage Museum, and Textile Museum have been unified under a single administrative body known as the Museum Division. This merger represents a strategic effort to streamline operations, enhance resource management, and provide a more cohesive experience for visitors exploring Bhutan’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The newly formed Museum Division is poised to offer a comprehensive narrative of Bhutanese history, art, and textile traditions, leveraging the combined expertise and collections of these esteemed institutions.
National Museum of Bhutan
The National Museum of Bhutan, located in Paro, is situated within a historic 17th-century watchtower, originally constructed by the first Paro Penlop, La-Ngonpa Tenzin Drugdra. This tower was designed to protect the Rinpung Dzong situated below. In 1967, His Majesty the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, commissioned the Ministry of Development to refurbish the dilapidated structure. Following its restoration, the tower was inaugurated as Bhutan’s first national museum in 1968. Initially overseen by the National Commission of Cultural Affairs (NCCA), the museum later transitioned to the Department of Culture within the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs after the dissolution of the NCCA. The museum’s primary mission is to preserve and promote Bhutan’s extensive religious and cultural heritage, thereby contributing to the safeguarding of national sovereignty through its exhibitions and outreach programs.
As a repository of history, the National Museum showcases Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural legacy through its diverse exhibits that span from the Neolithic period to contemporary times. The museum is uniquely designed to serve dual functions as both a temple and an art gallery, featuring display cases that mimic altars to enhance visitor engagement. It houses two significant temples: the Tshogzhing Lhakhang on the sixth floor, representing the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Namsey Lhakhang on the fifth floor, dedicated to the wealth deity Namthoesey and his entourage.
Across its six-floor galleries, the museum presents thematic exhibitions of sacred arts, numismatic collections, stamps, jewelry, textiles, and weaponry, boasting a collection of approximately 3,000 artifacts
The Royal Heritage Museum – The Tower of Trongsa
The Royal Heritage Museum, situated in the Ta-dzong of Trongsa, was inaugurated by His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on December 10, 2008. Originally constructed by the first Trongsa Penlop, Chogyal Minjur Tempa, in 1652, the structure consists of a central tower with two annex wings extending towards the North-West and South-West. This edifice served a strategic defensive role for the nearby Trongsa Dzong. The renovation and transformation into a museum were supported by technical and financial assistance from the Austrian government.
This state-of-the-art museum operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, and is dedicated to the Monarchs of Bhutan, with a particular emphasis on the history of the Monarchy that originated in Trongsa. The museum’s mission aligns with the core objectives of most museums: the protection, preservation, and promotion of movable cultural heritage to safeguard the sovereignty of Bhutan.
The museum features eleven galleries and two lhakhangs—one dedicated to the legendary King Gesar of Ling and another to Buddha Maitreya. The galleries exhibit a rich collection of personal artifacts from notable figures such as Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel, the First and Third Kings, along with 17th-century clay statues. The collection primarily comprises items belonging to the Royal Family and notable Lams, including Lam Ngagi Wangchuck, showcasing a deep connection to Bhutan’s royal and religious history.
The Textile Museum
The Textile Museum was established in 2001 under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. On August 8, 2023, the management responsibilities of the museum were officially transferred to the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, exemplifying a successful model of Public-Private Partnership. The Museum Division within the Department of Culture & Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home and Culture Affairs, continues to offer technical guidance and support, alongside the provision of human resources and financial assistance through government appropriations.The Textile Museum is dedicated to furthering the understanding of Bhutan’s achievements in the textile arts. It is a national center to collect, document, preserve, interpret and display Bhutan’s textile heritage. It is further dedicated to fostering and promoting the living textile arts through the specific focus on the historic and contemporary textile traditions with artistic and technical significance. The museum is guided by “international standards for collection, preservation, documentation, display and programming”.
Tshering Uden Penjor holds a Master’s degree in Museology from the University of Washington, USA. She has a distinguished career in cultural heritage management, notably leading the Museum Division within the Department of Culture & Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs. Her service ncludes roles ranging from Research Officer (2001-2003) to Chief Curator (2010-2022) at the Textile Museum, where she has spearheaded the preservation and exhibition of Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Throughout her career, she has curated over twenty-five national and international thematic exhibitions. She was invited as a speaker at international symposiums, including the prestigious Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles in Bangkok in 2013 and at the IGNCA in New Delhi in 2018.
Her expertise include roles have extended beyond curation to active participation in global cultural exchanges. She served as a counterpart at the Convergence – Royal Bridges in Dubai in 2016 and presented at the National Gallery of Canberra in 2014, further promoting Bhutanese art and culture worldwide. Her leadership in international exhibitions includes acting as Head Curator for the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad in 2010 and Guest Curator at the Maximilian Museum in Augsburg, Germany in 2008.
Her scholarly contributions include extensive research on vegetable dyes, the history of Bhutanese textiles, and traditional weaving techniques, published in various academic forums and the Berg Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion. She has also been instrumental in organizing numerous National Design Competitions and Textile Festivals, fostering innovation and engagement in Bhutan’s textile arts.
Rinzin Namgyel, who joined the civil service in 2002, transitioned from teaching to become a Chemist at the National Museum of Bhutan in 2011. With a Master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry and additional training from ICCROM and NRICH, Korea, he specializes in preventive conservation and researches solutions for artifact preservation. Namgyel’s career trajectory showcases his versatility, moving from education to museum conservation, where he now applies his scientific expertise to protect Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Email id: rinzin75nam@gmail.com
Sangay Wangdi has completed his Diploma in Financial Management from Royal Institute of Management on June 2010. He joined civil service in July 2010 as an Accountant at Trongsa Dzongkhag. In 2017 he was transferred as an accountant of the Royal Heritage Museum, Trongsa. Apart from accounting works he had experience in book keeping of store related works and Administration works. He has availed a short-term training on Financial Management from Pune, India.
Began his career as a cataloguing officer, Kinley Gyeltshen is now the curator at the National Museum of Bhutan. He did his Bachelor of degree in economics from Sherubtse College, Kanglung. A man with artistic bent of mind he is creative and innovative; the skill at times has been useful at the workplace like museum. He is the educator in the museum and carries out research particularly related to museum exhibitions and is involved in translation works as well. He partook in developing the catalogue entitled ‘Artful Contemplation’ published by the National Museum and colloquium proceedings.
Email id: kingyeltz@yahoo.com
Leki Samphel completed class 12 from Sarpang Higher Secondary School in 2015. He then underwent 3 months training on Tar Boiler in CIDC, Faridabad, Indiafunded by MoLHR. In 2019, he joined as a Museum Assistant in the Royal Heritage Museum under the Department of Culture. Besides, he serves as a store in-charge and a safety focal person of the museum. He aspires to upgrade his knowledge on museology. His prime hobbies are photography, videography and research on museum holdings.
Kamal Pokwal, an Assistant Conservator at the National Museum since 2002, specializes in wood conservation and has received advanced training in South Korea and India. His notable achievements include restoring the famous wall paintings of Trongsa Dzong, and he continues to advance conservation methodologies through ongoing research. Beyond his professional life, Pokwal is a devoted family man, balancing his career with his roles as a husband and father of three sons.
Email id: kpokwal@gmail.com
Sangay Dema completed her class X from Tashitse Higher Secondary School, Wamrong, Tashigang. From 2005 to 2007, she underwent training to become an electrical technician from the Vocational Training Institute in Electrical course at Rangjung, Trashigang. After completion, her first job was as a technician at a private firm. She joined the Royal Heritage Museum as a technician in 2009. She has 12 years working experience as technician in the Museum as well as has the knowledge on Museum Management. She is interested in learning new technical skill in electrical field.
After graduating from the then Royal Technical Institute in 1989, Dorji Wangchuk joined the National Museum of Bhutan as a laboratory assistant in 1990. Since then he worked in various positions at the museum from laboratory assistant to conservator and then as museum assistant. He played an important role in setting up the first conservation laboratory at the museum and initiating conservation measures. Instrumental in supporting the administration of the museum in construction of new office building, visitors’ car parking, and above all in the renovation of the Ta Dzong as the focal person from the museum administration.
Email id: ongchuk71@gmail.com
Lobzang Norbu joined the National Museum as a photographer on November 2003 and since then has been working to maintain photography record of artifacts and significant events happening in the museum. He is a trained photographer and had received his training in art and commercial photography from the then National Technical Training Authority in 2000. He played an important role in bringing out the museum’s first ever catalogue in terms of taking photos of museum artifacts and other photos.
Email id:lnorbu.nmb@gmail.com
Dechen Cheki completed her education from Nangkhor Higher Secondary School, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag. She joined as a Museum Assistant at the National Museum of Bhutan, Paro. She underwent Conservation training for six months from Lucknow, India and another training from Indonesia. Thereafter, she has served as a Conservation Assistant in the Department of Culture and currently working for the Royal Heritage Museum in Trongsa. Besides her duties, she is interested in listening to music and watching movies.
Email id: dechen.dcp@gmail.com
After graduating twelve grade from Kelki High School she joined the civil service as an administrative assistant at the National Museum on January 2007. She now maintains the personal file and does other administrative related job. Besides, she also helps in manning the gallery in the museum. She is temperamentally very sober and cool and can work in any environments.
Email id: nikeychoden@yahoo.com
Pema Wangchuk is a distinguished architect specializing in heritage conservation, currently serving at the Division for Conservation of Heritage Sites (DCHS) since 2017. An alumnus of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (2015 batch), Wangchuk’s academic excellence was recognized with a gold medal for the best architectural thesis of the 2014-2015 academic year.
Email: pemaw@mohca.gov.bt
Kunzang Wangmo, a 2006 graduate of Punakha Higher Secondary School, began her career with Bhutan Post before joining the Royal Heritage Museum in Trongsa as a messenger in 2012. She has since taken on various roles, including reception, ticketing, and administrative duties such as dispatching and filing. Kunzang also operates the RAMIS system for managing museum entry fees, showcasing her adaptability in the museum’s operations.
Yonten Zangmo is the electrician at the National museum and due to her past 16 years work experience serving at the same organization, she is well acquainted with museum lightings and maintenance of lightings in and around the museum campus. She has taken part in all significant museum events in setting up audiovisual equipment, maintaining lightings and helping administration in procurement of electrical items. She holds a certificate in electrician, a course offered by Rangjung Vocational Training Institute.
Email id: sangyey@yahoo.com
Dechen Namgyal have completed his education from Mothithang Higher Secondary School from 2004 till 2007. He joined the service in 2012 at National Museum as a driver till mid-2021. Then he was transfer to The Royal Heritage Museum. He like to play games and is hardworking.
After graduating from Tenzin Higher Secondary School (2010), Karma Dema joined the Paro Ta-dzong as a museum assistant in 2012. She has worked on the first inventory of the museum with specific target on iconography of Thangka and statues. At present she is actively involved in researching the iconography. She is proficient in dzongkha language both in written and spoken. She is outspoken and audacious.
Email id: kardemgyel4eva@gmail.com
Pema Wangchuk completed his education from Tendru central School from 1999 till 2011 and Tenzin High School from 2012-2013. He joined as security guard at Royal Heritage Museum, Trongsa from 2017 and till date. He is very hard working.
Yeshey Dorji joined civil service in 2008 as security Guard at Royal Heritage Museum, Ta-Dzong, under Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs till date. He has 13 years working experience as Security Guard. Before joining civil servant he worked at Ta-Dzong Renovation Project for 2 years. He has experience in carpentry, Masonry , electrical work and also in museum object display . He is interested in all kinds of multiskilled work
Ugyen Penjor joined civil service in 2019 as security Guard at Royal Heritage Museum, Ta-Dzong, under Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs till date. He has 2 years working experience as Security Guard. Before joining civil servant he worked as painter in private firms.As part from his daily duties, he have help in cleaning museum objects and displying the objects. He like listening to musics and singing is his passion.
Chimmi Wangmo joined as a museum assistant at the National Museum, Paro in 2014. She graduated from Desi Higher Secondary School, Thimphu. She is engaged in inventorying of the national museum’s collection and took part in setting up the exhibition after the last renovation of Paro Ta-dzong.
Email id: chimmiw15ongmo@gmail.com
Tshering Lhamo, is from Yurmung, Trongsa. She joined civil service in 2008 as sweeper at Royal Heritage Museum, Ta-Dzong, Trongsa, under Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs till date. She has 13 years working experience as dry sweeper as well as wet sweeper. Apart from her daily work as sweeper, she does gardening and beautification of museum area. She also has experience in museum works like cleaning of museum objects.
She is interested in weaving and gardening is her passion. She is known as animals’ lover.
Kelzang Wangmo, is from Thangrong, Mongar. She joined civil service in 2016 as sweeper at Royal Heritage Museum, Ta-Dzong, Trongsa, under Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs till date. She has 5 years working experience as dry sweeper as well as wet sweeper. Apart from her daily work as sweeper, she does gardening and beautification of museum area. She also has experience in museum works like cleaning of museum objects.
She is interested in weaving and gardening is her passion.
Dorji Zangmo has more than 13 years working experience as a museum assistant. She has substantial knowledge in conservation and curatorial works such as in conservation, documentation and in setting up exhibitions. Besides she can handle the Revenue Administration Management information System (RAMIS). Her career began at the Royal Heritage museum in 2008, the same year it was established and opened to public.
Email id: dorjizamo@gmail.com
Phurpa Zangmo started her career as an administrative assistant at the Deothang Hospital, Samdrupjongkhar in March 2014. There, she handled procurement, personal file management and other related administrative works. She is now a museum assistant and has been working in the museum for the last two and half years. Her current responsibility is updating database file of the museum artifacts besides manning gallery and providing gallery talks to visitors.
Email id: phurpa414@gmail.com
Zangmo has worked at the museum for the last 13 years and has good grounding in conservation, documentation, interpretation and exhibiting artifacts. She is supportive, diligent and adaptive to any work environment. She assisted the management in organizing many museum events of which main ones are colloquium conduction and setting up especial exhibitions. After completing class twelve from Nyima Higher Secondary School, she joined the National Museum of Bhutan as a museum assistant.
Email id: zymk82@gmail.com
Tshomo, a Kelki Higher Secondary School graduate, began her career in 2005 and now works at the National Museum in Paro. She has expertise in museum artifact conservation and documentation, gained through training in South Korea. Tshomo also volunteers with RENEW, focusing on child safeguarding and addressing gender-based violence.
Phuntsho Choden joined the civil service as a receptionist at Punakha dzongkhag administration in 2007 and worked there for eight years. She was then transferred to Dzongkhag Administration in Wangduephodrang and worked there till 2018. Her final transfer was to the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro and is working as a ticketing in-charge. She is very adaptive and can work in various fields suiting her qualification.
Email id: phytshok@gmail.com
After completing class X from Motithang High School, she joined the Textile Museum, as a receptionist in July 2014 until she was transferred to the National Museum, Paro in September 2014. She worked as souvenir shop in-charge before the current position as ticketing in-charge.
Email id: kunzangwangmo134@gmail.com
Lhakpa Tshering Tamang has joined the National Museum in 2013. He has experience in repairing and maintenance works. His additional skill are in masonry and concreting works.
Email id:lhakpatshering89@gmail.com
Dorji Bidha joined as a janitor at the National Museum of Bhutan in 2008. She has knowledge of flower gardening and has significantly contributed in improving the outlook of the premise of Paro Ta-dzong.
Kezang Dema joined the national Museum of Bhutan as a janitor in 1st august 2016. Besides, she has interest in gardening and helps the gardener in beautifying the museum campus.
Sangay Pelmo has joined the museum as a gardener from July 2021. She is an avid gardener and loves the work of beautifying the museum campus. Besides, she also helps others in peripheral jobs.
Karma Dorji joined as security guard at the National Museum in 2021. Previously he worked as a security guard for the Bhutan Board Private Ltd., Tala for 14 years from 2008 to 2021. He has knowledge and skills in carpentry and masonry works.
Taupo served in the armed force under different service branches. He first served under the Royal Body Guard (RBG) for 31 years from 1988 to 2004 and later was transferred to the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) in 2004 and served there for thirteen years. His last military rank was Peljab. He joined the museum as a security guard in 2017. Besides, he is skilled in carpentry.
Sonam Rinchen is a Security guard combined Security in-charge at the National Museum. Before joining the present organization in 2017 he has served at the Royal Insurance Corporation for three years from 2013 to 2015 after receiving a 3 months training on security aspects at the Bhutan Elite Security Services.
Tshering Samdrup has joined the museum on August 2019 as a security guard.