Bhutan's tradition and culture are deeply rooted in weaving. The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was established as a non-governmental, non-profit organization with the goal of preserving and promoting this living art.

The country’s only textile museum, this is a must visit for those who want to learn about the fabrics that become the traditional clothes of Bhutanese. The academy functions as a training space for aspiring weavers and a conservation center for precious artifacts from all over the country.

The museum showcases different techniques and types of textiles in changing exhibitions. It consists of two floors- the upper floor houses permanent displays of textiles and the lower floor showcases temporary displays for a few months.

1. Weaving School

Students are taught ancient weaving methods, yarn dyeing, design and color theory, as well as the fundamentals of business and bookkeeping. Trainees are taught a variety of weaves such as plain cotton and silk, yathra, weaves with simple and elaborate patterns.

1. The Textile Museum

The RTA includes a state-of-the-art museum comprising two galleries: the upper gallery, which shows the numerous textile weaves used in the nation on a permanent basis, and the lower gallery, which hosts transient exhibitions on specialized subjects. Past exhibitions have included ones on different weaves, showcasing the royal collection and ones on Zhabdrung. Short term exhibitions are on display in the Weaving and Conservation Building. Past themes have included a tribute to the kings, a Czech Castle Exhibition and Paintings by Olaf Van Cleef.

Photo Gallery