• About Us
  • Our Work
  • Exhibitions
  • Education & Community Engagement
  • Our Collection
  • Advocacy & Livelihoods
  • Research
  • Meet the Team
  • Board of Advisors
• Visitor Information
• Exhibitions
• TAEC Shop
  • Handicrafts & Livelihoods
  • Online Shop
• Resource Centre
  • Kids Activities
  • Newsletter
  • Links
• Support Us
  • Get Involved
  • Make a Donation
  • Our Supporters

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a museum in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. It is the only independent non-profit museum and resource centre in Laos dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of the traditional arts and lifestyles of the country’s many and diverse ethnic groups.

TAEC was founded in 2006 and opened its doors in July 2007, featuring professional exhibitions on the ethnic cultures of Laos, a Museum Shop promoting handicrafts from village artisans, and Le Patio Café. In its first four years, TAEC welcomed over 38,000 Lao and international visitors, and has rapidly emerged as a regional leader in cultural heritage management and community development.

Today, the Centre is engaged in a broad range of museum and community engagement activities, reflecting its commitment to supporting living ethnic minority communities to preserve and promote their cultural heritage while looking towards the future. Explore our website to learn more about our work:

• Developing engaging and professional permanent and temporary Exhibitions;
• Fostering learning and awareness through Education and Community Outreach;
• Documenting masterpieces of material culture in our Collection;
• Supporting sustainable income-generation opportunities through our Advocacy and Livelihoods programmes; and
• Conducting and facilitating Research in and with ethnic communities.

TAEC’s Vision

To become a centre for learning and exchange on the ethnology and artisanal heritage of Laos that promotes appreciation for the cultures and skills of Laos’ peoples, stimulates investment and preservation of their crafts, and supports their sustainable livelihood development.

TAEC’s Mission

To facilitate pride and investment in Laos’ ethnic diversity and cultural resources by helping visitors and locals to understand and value the changing lifestyles of Laos’ many ethnic groups, and providing an outlet for the development and selling of their handicrafts.