Bhutan Launches Museums of Bhutan Building Fund Global Fundraising Campaign
In a transformative initiative that echoes the cycles of renewal, the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a global fundraising campaign Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan (“Building Fund”).
The signing took place at the National Museum of Bhutan, Ta-Dzong, Paro between the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Mr. Joni Herison, Director, Druk Asia at an event attended by His Excellency Lyonpo Tshering, Home Minister and other senior government officials and representatives from the private sector.
The Building Fund is established to renovate and enhance building facilities of heritage landmark sites and transform the museums of Bhutan into vibrant community hubs. With a goal of US$12 million, a key initiative of this fund is the construction of outdoor venue spaces at the National Museum of Bhutan, Paro, Royal Heritage Museum, Trongsa and the archeological site at Ta Dzong, Trashigang to provide versatile settings for international conferences, cultural gatherings and private events.
The National Museum, housed in a historic watchtower, serves as a vital repository of Bhutanese cultural heritage. Likewise, the Royal Heritage Museum, overlooking the majestic Trongsa Dzong, encapsulates the architectural grandeur and historical significance of the Wangchuck dynasty, highlighting the intrinsic relationship between culture and spirituality.
In addition to these enhancements, the Building Fund will support the development of a new archaeological site in Trashigang in eastern Bhutan. This initiative aims to expand archaeological knowledge while fostering cultural tourism and education in the region.
Druk Asia has been appointed as the official marketing representative for the Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan to helm marketing initiatives for the global fundraising. This partnership reflects Druk Asia’s enduring commitment to promoting Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Some of the projects Druk Asia has supported include the Heritage Gallery at Lingzhi Dzong and Bhutan’s first NFT Hackathon, held in June 2024 in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development and GovTech. This event aimed to engage youth in cultural preservation through Web3 technology.
Druk Asia also actively supports the Gyalum Charitable Trust, providing aid and empowerment to marginalized women and youth. In partnership with entities like Paro FC, which operates the country’s premier youth football academy, and VAST Bhutan, which nurtures youth creativity and social responsibility through contemporary art, Druk Asia remains committed to championing Bhutan’s rich heritage and fostering sustainable progress.
“Our museums are a reflection of Bhutan’s national identity, showcasing the historical treasures that define our cultural legacy. To enhance the visitor experience at Bhutan’s museums, it's crucial to focus on rethinking and reconfiguring existing infrastructure and layouts. Druk Asia’s deep understanding of Bhutanese culture and commitment to social impact will be instrumental in expanding outreach initiatives aimed at revitalizing Bhutan's museums and archaeological sites. The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development will work closely with Druk Asia to secure philanthropic support so we can transform our museums," said Tshering Uden Penjor, Chief Curator, Museum Division, Department of Culture & Dzongkha Development.
"The Building Fund for Bhutan’s museums is an extraordinary initiative that allows us to protect and rejuvenate Bhutan’s cultural treasures. In a rapidly changing world, where spiritual and cultural values are increasingly at risk of being lost, this project represents a critical effort to safeguard Bhutan's role as a sanctuary of wisdom. Through collective generosity, we can ensure Bhutan remains a guiding light, allowing its unique legacy to inspire and uplift not only its people but all those who seek to engage with its profound teachings. By contributing to this project, we are ensuring the continuation of Bhutan's spiritual teachings, sacred practices, and unique cultural identity for generations to come," emphasised by Joni Herison, Managing Director of Druk Asia.
Florence Ang, Partnerships and Marketing Director, Druk Asia will spearhead a new C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T Initiative, aimed at fundraising for the Museums of Bhutan. “The C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T Initiative embodies Druk Asia’s commitment to transforming Bhutan's cultural landscape by revitalizing the museums. Through this effort, we aim to design and build unique spaces for the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro, Royal Heritage Museum, Trongsa and the archaeological site of Ta Dzong, Trashigang, laying the groundwork for future projects that foster heritage preservation and drive transformation. We envision these heritage sites as venues to host large-scale events and welcome international guests," said by Florence Ang.
Bhutan stands as the last Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, a living testament to an ancient spiritual heritage that resonates deeply with timeless wisdom, compassion and enlightenment. This sacred cultural landscape is not only a custodian of centuries-old traditions, but also a beacon of hope and spiritual guidance for the global Buddhist community.
The Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan is seeking philanthropic donations and private contributions. This initiative provides a significant opportunity to safeguard Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage and unique cultural identity, while broadening the global presence of its museums and ensuring future generations can experience the country’s deep cultural and spiritual traditions.
How to Contribute
To support the Building Fund for the Museums of Bhutan, donors can visit drukasia.org/building-fund-museums-bhutan for more information. Individuals interested in making private donations can reach out to [email protected]. Benefactors may also explore personalized recognition opportunities, such as naming rights, dedications of new structures, or commemorative acknowledgments in honor of their contributions.
