
DIIR Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay, the Spokesperson of CTA, delivering a keynote address during the celebration of 47th International Museum Day. Photo / Karma Tashi / Tibet Museum
Dharamshala: The Tibet Museum of the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, joyfully joins museums around the globe in commemorating the 47th International Museum Day on 17 May 2024. While traditionally observed on 18 May, the Tibet Museum has decided to celebrate a day earlier this year due to upcoming temporary exhibitions and unforeseen circumstances.
Under the theme “Museums for Education and Research,” the event spotlighted the crucial role cultural institutions play in offering comprehensive educational experiences and advocating for a more conscious, sustainable, and inclusive world.
The Tibet Museum orchestrated a full-day program featuring the debut of the Museum’s Children Kit, a discourse on the significance of museums as focal points for education and research, a complimentary tour of the Tibet Museum and nearby prominent Tibetan institutes, a screening of short documentaries underscoring the global significance of Tibet, and a special showcase by ten local artists, aimed at promoting Tibetan young talent.
An inaugural ceremony graced the halls of the Tibet Museum this morning. DIIR Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay, the Spokesperson of CTA, and DIIR Additional Secretary Namgyal Tsewang, along with representatives from prominent Dharamshala-based Tibetan institutions and students from Tibetan Children’s Village and Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School, attended the event, enriching the celebration with youthful energy.
Additional Secretary Tenzin Lekshay eloquently underscored the importance and purpose of the Tibet Museum as a cornerstone of cultural and educational enrichment. He emphasised its role in championing Tibetan culture and national identity as a beacon for sustaining the Tibetan struggle.
The Director of The Tibet Museum, Tenzin Topdhen, shared insights into the genesis of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and its core objectives and mission. He elaborated on the concept behind The Tibet Museum brand, emphasising its relevance as a testament to the past and as a bridge to the future of Tibet’s struggle, offering well-researched content for travelling and temporary exhibitions.
Dr Tenzin Lhadon from the Tibet Policy Institute delved into the broader concept of museums, discussing how they can be used as tools by the People’s Republic of China to distort Tibet’s history. She offered recommendations for the future trajectory of The Tibet Museum, advocating for its continued role as a guardian of truth and cultural heritage.
The staff, museum visitors, and locals of Gangchen Kyishong thoroughly enjoyed the displays by the ten local artists, participating by purchasing some of their art. At the closing ceremony, Director Tenzin Topdhen thanked each artist for making the day fruitful and envisioned greater participation and longer durations in future International Museum Day events.
Since 2014, acknowledging the growing participation of the global museum community in International Museum Day celebrations, the Tibet Museum has annually launched celebrations aligned with the annual theme, reaffirming its commitment to education, research, and cultural preservation.
-Report filed by The Tibet Museum, DIIR, CTA

Dr Tenzin Lhadon from the Tibet Policy Institute speaking during the celebration of 47th International Museum Day at The Tibet Museum.