National Textile Museum

Overview

The National Textile Museum was established in 2001 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Its primary mission is to promote and preserve the art of weaving, which is considered one of the "Zorig Chusum" (13 traditional arts) and a vital part of Bhutan’s living heritage. The museum houses a priceless collection of antique textile artifacts, including royal crowns, the first version of the Raven Crown, and intricate "Kushutara" silks.

Historically, textiles in Bhutan have served as a form of currency and a clear indicator of social status and regional identity. The museum features various galleries that explain the different techniques used, such as supplementary warp and weft patterning, as well as the natural dyes derived from plants and minerals. Visitors can often see live demonstrations by weavers on-site, bringing the static displays to life and highlighting the immense skill required to produce a single hand-woven "Kira" or "Gho."