National Museum Fundraiser Connected Bhutanese Art With Heritage Conservation

Heritage & Hues brought artists and visitors to Bhutan’s National Museum for its first outdoor fundraiser, supporting conservation and new museum spaces.

For three days in November, the grounds of the National Museum of Bhutan became a gathering place for artists, entrepreneurs, visitors and supporters of the country’s cultural heritage.

Held at Ta Dzong in Paro from 5 to 7 November 2026, Heritage & Hues was the museum’s first outdoor fundraising event. The art market supported the Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan, which is raising money to conserve heritage sites, improve museum facilities and create new spaces for cultural and public programmes.

Dr Yoenten Dargye, director of the National Library and Archives of Bhutan, attended the opening ceremony as chief guest. He was joined by National Museum Chief Curator Tshering Uden, museum teams from Thimphu and Paro, and MICE Bhutan, the event’s fundraising partner.

Why Bhutan’s Museums Are Fundraising

Museums preserve the objects, art and records through which people understand their country’s history. Protecting these collections requires sustained investment in conservation, suitable storage, trained professionals and safe, accessible buildings.

The Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan has a target of approximately Nu 1.12 billion (approx. USD 12 million). It aims to renovate heritage landmarks and create outdoor venues at the National Museum in Paro, the Royal Heritage Museum in Trongsa and the archaeological site at Ta Dzong in Trashigang.

The planned spaces are intended for cultural gatherings, educational programmes, international conferences and private events. The wider objective is to help museums serve as active community spaces while continuing their responsibility to protect Bhutan’s heritage.

Heritage & Hues brought that idea into public view. Instead of treating fundraising as a separate institutional exercise, the event invited artists, businesses, residents and tourists to participate directly.

A Platform for Local Creativity

About 12 stalls gave Bhutanese artists, artisans, food producers and entrepreneurs a place to present and sell their work within the museum grounds.

Participants included:

• Yelha Bhutan, with cordyceps tea, honey and other local products.

• Paro Sand Mandala, with artworks and art classes.

• The Royal Textile Academy, with handwoven Bhutanese textiles.

• Bumthang Yathra, with yathra woven from yak and sheep wool.

• Pure Bhutan, with products including tea and shilajit.

• Roja Restaurant, which served food and beverages throughout the three-day event.

Three local artists also exhibited their work. Tshering Penjor presented art created with natural pigments, while contemporary artist Tshering Dorji displayed his work alongside Tandin Wangdi, owner of Urja Art Gallery at the museum entrance.

Their participation connected the museum’s responsibility to preserve historical collections with the work of Bhutanese creators practising today.

Raffle Draw Supports the Fundraising Effort

A raffle draw was held on the final day for visitors who had purchased tickets and supported the fundraiser.

Prizes were sponsored by Druk Asia, Amba Resort and Tshomen. Chhom Bhutan and Palette Space provided consolation prizes.

The raffle formed part of the event’s wider fundraising effort, which also included ticket sales and support from participating organisations, sponsors and visitors.

The Dining Room at Tshomen, a sixth-generation heritage guest house

Museum Spaces Are Available for Event Rentals

The Museums of Bhutan also make event spaces available for hire by groups of different sizes.

Organisations and individuals planning suitable cultural programmes, conferences, private gatherings or other events can submit a venue rental enquiry through the official Museums of Bhutan website.

Using a museum as an event venue places visitors within Bhutan’s cultural landscape while providing another way to support the institutions responsible for protecting it. Event arrangements remain subject to the suitability and availability of each venue.

Those interested in hosting an event can visit the Museums of Bhutan support page or contact the museum at museum@moha.gov.bt.

The Beginning of a Longer Fundraising Programme

Heritage & Hues is intended to be the first in a series of fundraising events. Similar programmes are planned to continue supporting the Building Fund while giving Bhutanese creators opportunities to engage with local and international audiences.

“Since this was our first kickoff event, we are deeply grateful to all the participants, sponsors and visitors, including our tourists, who joined us,” Lizam Dorji, organiser from MICE Bhutan said. “Together, let us celebrate our heritage and safeguard it for generations to come.”

The first Heritage & Hues demonstrated that preserving the past can also create opportunities in the present. Each event, donation, partnership and venue booking can contribute to museums that remain cared for, accessible and relevant to future generations.