Patan Museum Launches Thangka & Paubha Art Exhibition with Digital Preservation Initiative

Kathmandu – The Patan Museum is set to host a special exhibition featuring Nepal’s traditional Thangka and Paubha paintings, with a private preview on May 15 and public viewing from May 16 to 17.

Organized by the Himalayan Art Council, the “Thangka and Paubha Art Exhibition” aims to celebrate Nepal’s sacred painting heritage while unveiling a new digital platform to protect and promote these artworks worldwide. This was announced during a press conference at the Patan Museum on May 13.

The private event on May 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, will bring together collectors, artists, scholars, and technology experts. The exhibition will then open to the public at the same venue within the UNESCO-listed Patan Durbar Square.

Speakers at the press conference included Nabin Khanal, founding member of the Council; curator Meena Lama; artist Kailash Shrestha; and technology specialist Sean Howell.

Artist Kailash Shrestha highlighted the exhibition’s role in supporting Nepali artists, many of whom seek recognition abroad due to limited opportunities at home.

The exhibition will display over 50 original Thangka and Paubha artworks from both established masters and emerging Himalayan artists. The event also marks the start of a national campaign to preserve, authenticate, and promote Nepali art by combining traditional methods with modern technology.

The Himalayan Art Council emphasized that this initiative is a vital step toward ensuring Nepali art is appreciated, protected, and remembered.

Alongside the exhibition, the Council will launch a digital platform featuring AI, expert verification, and blockchain technology. This platform will provide secure digital certificates and provenance tracking for collectors, while offering artists tools to detect forgeries and ensure proper attribution. Scholars and the public will gain access to searchable archives, translated inscriptions, and interactive guides.

The project aims to make Nepali art more accessible worldwide through educational resources and digital storytelling.

“This is a collaborative effort uniting artists, technologists, and cultural leaders to preserve and expand the global presence of Nepali art,” the Council stated.

The Himalayan Art Council is committed to preserving the artistic heritage of Nepal and the Himalayan region through certification, exhibitions, and transparent tracking, fostering trust among artists, collectors, and institutions while safeguarding cultural value.