National Textile Museum, Thimphu Overview

The National Textile Museum gives a glimpse of Bhutanese history in terms of clothes and textiles. One can find traditional Bhutanese artefacts such as the wedding dresses worn by former kings and queens, the conventional nomadic textiles and much more. This building is a storehouse of information and knowledge on the textile heritage of Bhutan.

At the National Textile Museum, one gets to learn the diversity in textiles and style of weaving from one region to another in the country. Textile weaving is the source of income for many people in the country, and in here their diligent efforts are appreciated.

What to See at the National Textile Museum

The National Textile Museum is divided into six major sections which display the following information respectively:

The Royal Collection: It displays the textiles worn by former kings and their queens. For example, there are clothes preserved which were worn by the fourth king and his four wives respectively.
The Role of Textiles in Religion: Bhutan gives significant importance to religion and religious values. There are certain acceptable clothes which are worn by monks, nuns and by people in religious ceremonies. What the textiles signify in the religion is what is displayed in this section.
Achievements in Textile Arts: Being a culturally rich and unique nation, the artwork of the country is also one of its kind and appreciable. The achievements which have been gained by the textile arts by the country are displayed in this section.
The Weft Pattern Weaves: This section exclusively displays only the weft-faced pattern weaves.
Textiles from Indigenous Fibres: Bhutan has always respected the indigenous culture, and it plays a significant role in the country’s overall culture. The fibres which were collected indigenously and the textiles made from them are showcased in this section.
The Warp Pattern Weaves: This section is devoted to only the weft-faced pattern weaves.

The bifurcation of these sections is done very neatly and clearly. The information is displayed in a lovely manner. There is a small souvenir shop at the end of the museum, from where traditional Bhutanese clothes can be bought.

Bhutanese Textiles, National Textile Museum — Hand-Woven Bhutanese Textiles (Source)

History of the National Textile Museum

The National Textile Museum was built by the Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck and opened to public display in 2001. This was majorly established to make visitors aware of the role, importance and history of textiles in the lives of people in Bhutan. The idea was also to invite weavers from foreign countries to display their weaving skills. Through this museum, the Bhutanese textile history is well preserved for future generations to come and learn from here.

How To Reach National Textile Museum in Thimphu

The museum is located near the Royal Textile Academy Conservation Centre. A cab can be hired from any part of Thimphu to reach the National Textile Museum.