Journal · Thimphu
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
The school of Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts, founded in 1971. Watch students paint, carve and embroider.
The story
The government set up the institute in Thimphu in 1971 to keep the traditional arts alive. Zorig chusum means the thirteen crafts, among them painting, sculpture, wood carving, calligraphy, embroidery and weaving. A second college later opened in Trashi Yangtse, in the east.
What you see
Courses take several years. Visitors can watch the students at work, and a shop sells pieces they made.
Before you go
Go on a weekday in term time. In the school holidays the classrooms are empty.
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.