The Best Galleries And Museums In Lhasa Tibet

Tibetan art is strongly rooted in the region’s Buddhist tradition, with devotional art forms such as thangka painting continuing to thrive. But in recent years, contemporary artists, writers and filmmakers from Tibet have started to explore the area’s contradictions, and cultural and political tensions. With increasing tourism and development transforming the region, Tibetan artists are creating progressive artworks, while revelling in the heady mix of pop culture and Buddhist iconography. Discover the best places to experience art in Lhasa.

1. Tibet Museum

Museum

The Tibet Museum, in the heart of historical Lhasa, is the first stop to discover the history of art and culture of Tibet. Established in 1999 between the Potola Palace and the Norbulingka Palace, it is the first modern museum of its size in Tibet, holding around 1,000 artefacts. The building itself sympathetically echoes traditional Tibetan architecture, with beautiful ornamental beams and pillars integrated into the design. The museum is thoughtfully laid out, covering Tibetan history on the ground floor, and displaying the region’s arts and crafts traditions on the first floor, in addition to an abundant collection of treasures, cultural relics and religious artefacts.

2. GC Art Yard

Museum

GC Art Yard, situated on a prominent corner of the bustling Barkhor area, finds itself on a devotional circumambulation route, in which pilgrims and tourists alike walk in a clockwise direction around the Jokhang Temple. The gallery is the first space in Lhasa solely devoted to contemporary art. The group that occupies it, the Gedun Choephel Artists’ Guild, was formed in 2003 and brings together artists who share the vision of a new, multi-faceted Tibet and who are developing its modern arts scene. The group now acts for more than 25 Lhasa artists, whose work has been exhibited around the world in institutions such as the Rubin Museum of Art in New York and Rossi & Rossi in London. The GC Yard represents the brightest and best of the Tibetan avant-garde, working with the contradictory and complementary imagery of modernity and tradition, and forging a new and original artistic expression for Tibet.

3. Potala Palace

Historical Landmark

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Potala Palace, is situated on the Red Hill in the centre of Lhasa, and is the highest ancient palace in the world. Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace were the traditional homes of the Dalai Lama, called the winter and summer residences respectively. The magnificent fortress-like Potala Palace, once the seat of government, dominates the old city and represents the pinnacle of Tibetan art and architecture. To protect it, the number of visitors is limited to 1,600 a day, and each visit is restricted to an hour. The building is filled with beautiful murals and precious Tibetan cultural artefacts. Norbulingka is smaller, but also a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture constructed in the 18th century. As a functioning monastery, it offers a peaceful retreat from the buzz of the city. It consists of several palace complexes, representing a variety of architectural styles and ornamentation. The Migyur Potrang (1954), in particular, is notable for its exquisite murals.

4. The Tibet Summit Fine Art Café

Art Gallery

The first Tibet Summit Fine Art Café was opened in 2005 by Doug Wilford, a photographer and artist who fell in love with the Tibetan landscape and art. The chain now has two cafés in the centre of Lhasa, each a European-style coffee house, with premium coffee and cakes, and an art space showcasing the work of local artists. The art café specialises in fine oil paintings from internationally recognised artists, as well as photography and Tibetan handicrafts. It is a surprisingly cosy, laid-back place that stands out among the numerous teahouses of Lhasa. Though you are more likely to come here for the coffee and the ambience, it offers a wonderful snapshot of the city’s local, emerging art.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers

The Best Galleries and Museums in Lhasa, Tibet