Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center
Overview
Preserving Cultural Diversity in Laos. Opened in 2007 in a historic house at the foot of Phousy Hill, the museum at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) presents engaging exhibitions and special projects that offer a rare and fascinating insight into the diversity and richness of Laos ethnic cultures.
Open Hours
Open daily 09:00am – 18:00pm
From: Tuesday to Sunday (Close on Monday)
Tickets: 25.000k/person (under age of 12 years old free entrance)
Access
Located in Khamyoung village, the way to go just beside Dara Market
History
From the perspectives of ethnic minority women, this exhibition shares the lives of women in Laos today. With photographs, documentary videos, and objects the exhibition explores themes of work, family, health, heritage and handicrafts as recorded by girls and women in Northern Laos.
Over a two year period as part of the Stitching Our Stories (SOS) project, young women from Hmong and Tai Lue communities in Luang Prabang learned to use digital media to record and reflect upon their lives in a rapidly changing Laos. From this collection of photographs, video clips, and interviews, TAEC and the international arts programme, PhotoForward, developed the Caregivers to Culture Keepers exhibition.
Community Researchers were integral in framing the exhibition themes, and along with the SOS participants provided the content for the exhibition. Seven short videos present interviews with women in the Hmong and Tai Lue communities on varied topics including a Hmong medicine woman, early childcare in Laos, Hmong batik, Tai Lue weaving, Shamans, and Hmong embroidery, A part of the exhibition, the videos provide a more in-depth look into the lives of women in Laos today.
Permanent Exhibitions
Two rooms of displays showcase the Akha, Hmong, Tai Lue, and Kmhmu people in Laos and feature traditional handmade clothing and textiles, jewellery, handicraft and household tools, reconstructions of domestic scenes, and religious artefacts.
All exhibitions are presented in Lao and English. Translations are available in French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.
TAEC maintains a collection of ethnic minority artefacts and a small library on the ethnic groups of Laos. Special projects of TAEC contribute to a growing body of documentation about the diverse cultures found in Laos and include books, short videos, and exhibitions.
Others in Culture & History
National Museum
The National Museum is the former Royal Palace. This fascinating tourism site offers visitors the chance to learn about the royal family and find out about the rich history of Luang Prabang.
Phralak Phralam
Enjoy the culture of Laos by witnessing a tradtional dance performance known as Phralak Phralam at the Royal Palace. Performances occur weekly. You will find the schedule outside the performance hall in the Royal Palace grounds.
Colonial Buildings
Charming riverfront villas and grand old buildings…discover the architectural beauty of Luang Prabang
Heritage Information Center
Located in a charming wooden historic building, the Heritage Information Center, known as Heuanchan offers visitors the chance to learn about traditional ways of life.
UXO Visitors Centre
The UXO Visitors Centre is a ‘must see’ for those who travel to Luang Prabang with real-life bombies on display as well as moving accounts of the Secret War.
Children’s Cultural Center
The Children’s Cultural Center in Luang Prabang is a place to witness Lao ceremonies, puppet shows and traditional dance performances.
Traditional Storytelling
Be entertained and enthralled by Garavek, a traditional theatrical event featuring one charasmatic storyteller and live music.
Rice Farming
Become a rice farmer for the day by learning how to plant and harvest this precious crop. A fun activity for the whole family.
Luang Prabang Cuisine
Traditional Luang Prabang cuisine is based on fresh ingredients, subtlety, and variety. Be sure to taste some of the goodness while you’re in town.