Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

front entrence to the museumNestled 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 about and to 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 be built in the United States, and it was the first Museum in the world devoted solely to Tibetan art.

The surrounding landscape design, which Marchais named the ‘Samadhi Garden’, features a fish pond, meditation cells, and many plantings native to the Himalayas.  The Museum’s distinctive setting highlights and enhances the experience of viewing the art within.

Visitors to the museum will enjoy:

  • Tibetan and Himalayan art and ritual objects on display
  • Changing exhibits on Tibetan and Himalayan culture (click here to view our Events Calendar)
  • Quiet meditation gardens
  • Classes in tai chi and meditation
  • Special programs including films, musical performances, lectures and travel talks, traditional Tibetan crafts, family activities and more

Hours

  • The Museum is open to the public every Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00pm. January Hours are Saturdays only.
  • Guided and group tours are also available by appointment.Call 1.718.987.3500 or e-mail us for details and to make a reservation.

Admission

  • Adult admission to the museum: $6.00
  • Senior & Student admission to the museum: $4.00
  • Member admission to the museum: Free
  • Free Admission With US Federally Disabled Id card

Amenities

  • Picnic facilities
  • Gift shop

Parking

  • Located in a residential neighborhood, free on-site street parking is available on Lighthouse Avenue.
  • Please note that as parking is very limited, you may want to consider parking on Richmond Road and walking up Lighthouse Avenue or parking at the nearby LaTourette Golf Course.

Directions

  •  Please click here to view how to get to the museum from several starting points.