JACQUES MARCHAIS
Her Story & Her Vision
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 to be built in the United States, and it was the first museum in the world devoted solely to Tibetan art.
This “Jewel on a Hillside” replicates the monasteries of Tibet while it contains the unique artifacts that reflect the art, history, culture, and religious articles that have been destroyed in their homeland. This singular place in the USA preserves site and artifacts in memory of the founder and as a collection held in a contextual setting.
Our Mission
The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art’s mission is to present the art, culture and history of Tibet to a world audience in order to educate about and inspire appreciation of Himalayan cultures and to foster better global understanding.
The founder, Jacques Marchais (1887-1948) intended the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, established in 1945, to serve as a bridge between Tibetan art and culture and the world.
Our Vision
The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art preserves its unique collection of rare and sacred artifacts and provides careful stewardship of its historic buildings and gardens.
In addition to presenting Jacques Marchais’ history, it is the intention of the museum to give visitors an understanding of Tibet and the Himalayan region.
