• 17 Aug 2026

Artist Collaboration Program and New Souvenir Shop at Royal Heritage Museum

The Royal Heritage Museum officially launched the 7th Artist Collaboration Program with artist Pema Wangchuk alongside the debut of a new Museum Souvenir Shop.

Hailing from Chendibji village in Trongsa, Pema Wangchuk is an accomplished master of traditional Bhutanese arts, specializing in sacred mandala and thangka painting. Internationally recognized, with exhibitions reaching as far as Malaysia, Pema balances his creative discipline with deep civic and cultural devotion as a dedicated Desuup volunteer and an award-winning folk singer celebrated for preserving traditional Zhungdra and Boedra music.

His artistic path began during his years as a monk, leading to eight years of rigorous formal training—beginning at Gyalrab Zorig Pelkhang and culminating in advanced, dedicated study under renowned master painters.

Since 2020, he has trained the next generation of artists as the Kilkhor Lopen (Mandala Painting Teacher) at the Thubten Choling Buddhist Center School in Trongsa.

The day was marked by an inspiring ribbon-cutting ceremony coordinated with the Regional Head and graced by esteemed Chief Guest, Trulku Jigme Do Ngag Tendzin Rinpoche of the Thubtenchoeling Buddhist Institute.

Artist Collaboration Program

The Artist Collaboration Program is built on a single premise: tradition is not static—it evolves through the hands of those daring enough to reinterpret it.

This season, featured artists push the boundaries of Bhutan’s classical Zorig Chusum (the thirteen traditional arts), setting sacred iconography alongside striking modern aesthetics.

Visitors can experience:

• Evolving Traditions: Bold interpretations of classical motifs rendered through innovative mediums, textures, and palettes.

• Master Craftsmanship: Dynamic installations highlighting the precision of indigenous carving, weaving, and thangka painting techniques.

• Stories of Modern Bhutan: Personal, evocative pieces that reflect on identity, heritage, and the Kingdom's changing landscape.

By stepping beyond the traditional studio setting into this historic fortress, these artists bridge Bhutan’s sacred past directly into the living present.

Take the Story Home: New Museum Souvenir Shop

To ensure our support for local creators extends beyond the exhibition walls, keepsakes support regional makers.

Visit the shop for:

• Exclusive Collaboration Works: Limited-edition prints, handmade decorative items, and items inspired directly by this season’s exhibiting artists.

• Artisan Masterworks: Ethically sourced, authentic textiles, woodwork, and metalcraft produced by master artisans from Trongsa and surrounding Dzongkhags.

• Direct Community Impact: Every purchase directly supports the artisans, provides sustainable economic opportunities, and funds future heritage conservation projects at Ta-Dzong.