March 14, 2018

The Wangduechhoeling Palace restoration is now entering into a new phase, which will determine the future of the palace. This entails bringing back the use and art of traditional mineral paints, a practice that is dying in Bhutan with new acrylic paints entering the market. This next phase also includes creating appropriate fire mitigation and prevention, mechanical systems, and electrical systems. The palace aims to become a public space where Bhutanese and tourists can take a step back in time, experience the life of our former kings and queens, and enter Bumthang valley, the cultural heartland of Bhutan.

The Bhutan Foundation has been working in collaboration with the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Division of Cultural Heritage Sites, to restore the Wangduechhoeling Palace since 2012. After being neglected for 50 years, major restoration work has taken place at the palace, including restoration of the Lingkha Lhakhang (the monastery that lies within the palace grounds), restoration of the Shabkhor (the surrounding structure of the palace around the central tower), restoration of the Chhukhor Mani (water run prayer wheels), restoration of the roof, and documentation of important aspects of the palace, the restoration work, and its history. This work has been possible thanks to all our partners and donors, including the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.