Journal · Thimphu
Royal Textile Academy
Bhutan's museum and school of weaving, launched in 2013 under the Queen Mother. Go before you buy any cloth.
The story
The academy was formally launched on 5 June 2013 by its patron, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck. It trains weavers and works to keep the country's textile traditions alive.
Look for
Weaving from every region of Bhutan, and a royal collection that includes the Raven Crown and royal wedding clothes.
Before you go
Half an hour here teaches your eye what fine hand weaving looks like. It is the best protection against paying hand-woven prices for cloth made on a machine.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so or leave the detail out. Opening times and rules change, so your guide confirms on the day.