Thimphu is the beating heart of Bhutanese art and cultural preservation.
* **Institute for Zorig Chusum:** Often called the "Painting School," it teaches the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, including thangka painting, woodcarving, and embroidery. * **Royal Textile Academy:** Dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of Bhutanese weaving, hosting exhibitions and training programs. * **VAST Bhutan (Voluntary Artists' Studio Thimphu):** The pioneering contemporary art center in Bhutan, fostering modern artistic expression among the youth while honoring traditional motifs.