WELCOME

To The Jacques Marchais

Museum of Tibetan Art

Nestled into the side of Lighthouse Hill, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is a uniquely peaceful retreat. The museum presents the art and culture of Tibet and the Himalayas to a world audience in order to educate and inspire others in the value of this significant cultural heritage.

Established in 1945, the museum was founded by the pioneering American woman, Jacques Marchais (1887-1948), an important collector and respected expert on Tibetan art. Designed by Marchais, the rustic complex of fieldstone buildings resembles a Tibetan mountain monastery. These historic buildings represent the first Himalayan-style architecture in the United States.

The surrounding landscape design, which Marchais named the 'Samadhi Garden,' features a fish pond, meditation cells and many of her original plantings. The museum's distinctive setting highlights and enhances the experience of viewing the art within.

CURRENTLY ON VIEW

Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion

On View March 29, 2009 - December 31, 2010

The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is pleased to open a new exhibition, Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion on March 29, 2009. The purpose of Tibetan Portrait is to heighten awareness of Tibet, a mountainous region of the Himalayas. Through portraits, interactive displays, and objects. The exhibition shows the traditions and beliefs of the Tibetan people.  The Tibetan Portrait exhibit is about understanding the incredibly rich Tibetan culture and the people who have maintained compassion in the face of tremendous difficulties.  It emphasizes cultural understanding and religious tolerance.

Tibetan Portrait highlights photographic portraits of Tibetan people by renowned contemporary artist Phil Borges. Borges’ portraits introduce viewers to individuals from a deeply spiritual culture who have been marginalized and displaced by the occupation of their homeland. The portraits range from images of everyday people, including nomads and children, to important historic figures such as the Dalai Lama. Tibetan Portrait also features interactive displays focusing on aspects of traditional Tibetan culture such as a map of Tibet’s changing borders, a moveable display of Himalayan mountains, audio recordings of mantra chanting, and a hands-on display of Tibetan prayer wheels.

This exhibit is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and the New York State Council on the Arts. Additional support provided by the Staten Island Foundation.

RECENT FEATURE

To view the Museum's recent media appearance click here:You Tube - On The Beat - The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art.