Thimphu is the epicenter for the preservation and promotion of traditional Bhutanese arts.
* **National Institute for Zorig Chusum:** Often called the "Painting School," it teaches the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, including thangka painting, woodcarving, embroidery, and sculpture. * **Royal Textile Academy:** A striking modern building dedicated to preserving the rich Bhutanese tradition of weaving. It features exhibitions of royal garments and regional textiles. * **VAST (Voluntary Artists' Studio Thimphu):** A contemporary art initiative that supports young Bhutanese artists, bridging the gap between traditional iconography and modern artistic expression. * **Folk Heritage Museum:** A restored three-story traditional mud and timber house that replicates the lifestyle, tools, and culture of rural Bhutanese households.