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Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
- who we are & what we do
- what you can experience
- contact us
- supporting partners
- photo gallery
who we are
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a museum dedicated to the ethnic cultures of Laos. The Centre is housed in a heritage building, and exhibits ethnic clothing, household objects, religious artefacts, and handicrafts, with information in English and Lao languages. Our objective is to help locals and foreigners learn about the different ethnic groups of northern Laos. Our Museum Shop sells books and exclusive handicrafts and photos from ethnic communities. The Patio Café serves delicious food and drinks in a relaxing setting.
The Centre is a completely new and different type of attraction for tourists and locals. You will see unique objects from various ethnic groups and learn about their lifestyles, beliefs, and traditions. We also organize seminars and guided tours.
what we do
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) is a private non-profit institution dedicated to preserving and communicating the cultural resources of Laos. The Centre was founded in 2006 to provide accessible information about the ethnic peoples of Laos and their traditional arts. Funds from entry fees, donations, and services go to the running of the Centre and developing activities that will promote cultural diversity and preservation. Currently, we are engaged in:
Research: TAEC conducts primary research in ethnic communities. Relationships are developed with villages and resource persons to localise and enrich the information collected.
Preservation and Documentation: The TAEC permanent collection consists of over 200 objects from 17 different ethnic groups, primarily from northern Laos. All artefacts are catalogued and efforts are made to store and display objects in an archival manner.
Exhibitions: The permanent exhibition contains text, photographs, and objects from villages throughout the north of Laos. Artefacts are rotated regularly, and temporary exhibits highlight specific ethnic groups, themes, and arts from the north and south of Laos. Guided tours of the exhibitions are available by request.
Education: TAEC has a small collection of books on ethnology, Laos, history, and Southeast Asian arts which visitors can read in the café and seminars are organised by special arrangement. TAEC seeks to raise awareness among Lao communities and youth about Laos' ethnic peoples and arts by offering free admission to Lao citizens, and inviting school groups, craft sellers, and villages to visit the Centre.
Handicraft Development: The TAEC Store sells handicrafts sourced from artisan communities, promoting handicraft development and livelihoods based on traditional arts. By buying direct, TAEC supports fair prices for maximum benefits to the producer.