The Tibet Museum is a body of resources and information for, of, and by the Tibetan people. The Tibet Museum has three main sections:
1. The Permanent Museum
2. The Photographic Archives
3. Traveling Exhibition
Permanent Museum – The Tibet Museum:
The Tibet Museum or Demton-khang (in Tibetan) was established on 22 June 1998, as a permanent memorial and commemoration site for the Tibetans who have died as a result of the Chinese occupation. The Museum features our main and permanent exhibition titled “A Long Look Homeward”, depicting the results of the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the situation inside Tibet—then and now. It is divided into two sections: the first floor presents the Chinese occupation of Tibet and its results, and the second displays Tibet’s past and hopes for its future.
The Tibet Museum screens documentaries on Tibet daily, at 3.00 pm, and also invites experts to conduct talks and lectures on Tibet-related issues. The museum also holds temporary short-term exhibitions.
The Tibet Museum is located in the Main Temple complex in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. The temple area is visited by thousands of foreigners, Tibetans and Indians every year. The museum’s beautiful building, location and the wealth of knowledge makes it a must-see for anyone living in or visiting Dharamsala.
The Photographic Archive Section:
The photographic archive section preserves a large collection of historic and contemporary images of Tibet that cater to writers, researchers and publications worldwide.
The Tibet Museum’s archive section has a collection of more than 30,000 rare photographs in the form of printed copies, slides and negatives. Images dating back to the time of the 13th Dalai Lama and many unique photographs of independent Tibet are available in the archive. The museum also collects Tibet related photographs, and any individual who wishes to donate relevant photographs to the archive are most welcome. Due credit will be given to the original owner whenever the museum uses the photograph in one of its exhibitions or publications.
The Tibet Museum’s staff visits schools, settlements, monasteries and other public places in India to showcase photo exhibitions related to Tibet’s history, culture and democracy in exile. During the traveling exhibitions, the museum organizes documentary film screenings on Tibet’s history, culture and current situation.
The museum currently has seven exhibitions. The photographs and texts are displayed on large panels that are easy to transport and allow for multiple display set-ups:
1. The Burning Question – Why are Tibetans turning to Self-immolation? (10 panels)
2. Journey into Exile (35 panels)
3. Glimpses of the History of Tibet (27 panels)
4. Peace Apostle (45 panels)
5. Biography of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (38 panels)
6. A Long Look Homeward (25 panels)
7. 50 Years in Exile (96 panels)