Tibet House
M-F 12pm-5pm
In the mid-twentieth century, Tibet – purely devoted to the non-violent practices of Buddhism and led by the guidance of the Dalai Lama – was invaded by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. The Communist Party of China, which was opposed to the spiritual nature of the Tibetan people, has since destroyed ninety-five percent of the tangible culture of the region, including over 6,000 monasteries. Thousands of Tibetans have been forced from their homeland and into exile, while others have perished on the Tibetan Plateau, where China remains in power.
With so many cultural centers demolished by the invading government, the rich centuries-old Tibetan way of life risks extinction, and, for this reason, the fourteenth Dalai Lama, himself, requested Tibet House US to be established. His desire was to preserve the heritage of his people. Thus, since 1987, the intriguing institution – tucked in a crevice of 15th Street, on the second floor – has been doing just that.
When the Manhattan Sideways team visited, we had the privilege of being introduced to the gallery by the current Executive Director, Ganden Thurman. He has dedicated himself to the Tibet House US’s mission of preserving, protecting, and presenting Tibetan culture to society, at large, since the end of the 1990s. Thurman explained that having spent time in India as a child while his father – a Professor of Buddhist Studies – did research, he came to appreciate the “poise, humility and perspective” of the Tibetan lamas and academics who frequented his family’s home. Although Thurman considers himself more secular than religious, he continued on to clarify for us that Tibet House is neither a political nor religious organization. However, he did say that there are often times when they find themselves engaged in conversation on such topics.
Through art exhibitions, lectures on subjects including medicine and mind sciences, and classes such as “Developing Compassion” that fuse Buddhist practices with Western psychology, Tibet House allows visitors to draw their own conclusions. Through its library and permanent installation of Tibetan artifacts – open regularly to the public – this precious museum, quite literally, preserves the culture of the region within its walls.
While the Sideways team wandered through the rooms of Tibet House, we found ourselves experiencing the warmth and calm of the Tibetan people as we interacted with the exhibits and artworks. Around every corner was something new to explore. Since members of Tibet House are considered too political to attain travel visas by the Chinese authorities, the House does not have the ability to source artworks on its own. Instead, generous collectors donate the majority of the pieces on display. According to Thurman, such artists and art aficionados are the House’s greatest supporters, as they tend to feel a personal connection to the fight for freedom of expression. This collaboration was evidenced by the prints we observed of the current Dalai Lama, donated by Richard Avedon, hanging above a printer, and musician Philip Glass’ name listed on the roster of the Executive Officers.
Thurman revealed to us that during the course of the Tibet-China conflict, over 100 Tibet nationals have resorted to self-immolation in order to catch the world’s attention and direct it towards their struggle. They are desperate to be seen – and through its efforts Tibet House US is providing them the right to be present in the narrative of world heritage.