Discover the Folk Heritage Museum in Thimphu, Bhutan
The Folk Heritage Museum, located in Kawajangsa, lies in the heart of Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu. It is within walking distance of the National Library of Bhutan and the National Institute for Zorig Chosum (13 Traditional Arts).
A Gateway to Bhutanese Rural Heritage
The Folk Heritage Museum is dedicated to connecting people with Bhutan's rich folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum strives to preserve and disseminate this heritage across generations.
Established with Royal Patronage
Also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim, the Folk Heritage Museum was established on 28 July 2001 through the initiative of the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. As the founder and patron of the museum, Her Majesty has played a vital role in promoting Bhutan's rural past.
A Journey Through Time: Bhutan's Oldest Historical Place
The Folk Heritage Museum, more than 150 years old, offers visitors a glimpse into Bhutanese rural life. The museum preserves the rural setting, including paddy, wheat, and millet fields. Traditional features such as a water mill with millstones, a traditional kitchen garden with century-old vegetables, and the famous traditional hot stone bath are all part of the experience.
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge and Natural Resources
Native trees and plants with domestic uses in Bhutanese rural households are grown here, keeping indigenous knowledge alive. This patch of greenery in Thimphu reflects Bhutan's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
Exploring the Museum's Architecture
Ground Floor: A Functional Space for Rural Life
The ground floor entrance to the farmhouse is accessible via a small, partially covered stone courtyard used to store firewood, farming equipment, and grain. An incense burner is still present for daily offerings to protective deities. This floor, resembling a barn, houses farm animals during Bhutan's harsh winters.
Second Floor: Storage for Essential Supplies
Visitors can access the next two levels via steep, open-tread timber stairs. The second level primarily serves as a safe storage area for grain and food.
Third Floor: The Heart of the Bhutanese Home
The third level features the family's living and dining area, with heating provided by a wood-fired stove in the kitchen. This level also serves as the sleeping area for the entire family.
A Unique Experience of Bhutanese Tradition,/
A visit to the Folk Heritage Museum offers a unique experience, with the principal exhibit being a restored three-storey traditional rammed mud and timber house dating back to the mid-19th century. The house reflects the design of a typical household in the Wang region of that era. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum to immerse yourself in the authentic rural lifestyle of Bhutan and connect with its timeless traditions.