Honoring Nepal
Audio Tour Itinerary
The Rubin Museum of Art has deep institutional and personal connections with Nepal, its people, traditions, and material culture. As part of the museum’s initiative to Honor Nepal after the devastating effects of the earthquake, Nepalese art expert Gautama Vajracharya narrates this audio itinerary, offering his insight on Nepalese art objects featured throughout the museum.
01. Artwork
Begin with this over-sized mask of Bhairava found near the admissions desk. This type of mask is typically used during festivals.
02. Artwork
Make your way to the lobby to view our installation, Honoring Nepal.
In the upper left corner of the installation you will find a large, wooden sculpture known as a torana. In Hindu and Buddhist architecture, a torana is considered a type of gateway.
In the upper left corner of the installation you will find a large, wooden sculpture known as a torana. In Hindu and Buddhist architecture, a torana is considered a type of gateway.
03. Artwork
Below the torana, notice the vibrant colors and exquisite attention to detail in the painting titled "Buddha of the Previous Age."
04. Artwork
This small object has been made using the metal-working technique known as repousse. Artists of Nepal were well-known for their craftsmanship, especially in metal.
05. Artwork
The temple depicted in this painting has sustained significant damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. Here we see a 1950's representation of the temple, which is an excellent example of Nepalese architecture.
06. Artwork
Here we see another example of Bhairava appearing with multiple arms and heads representing the cosmos. This object appears in the exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art located on the second floor.
07. Artwork
One of the most popular gods, Ganesha is known to remove obstacles. Visit the museum to see this object in the 2015 rotation of the exhibition, Gateway to Himalayan Art.
08. Artwork
Make your way to the third floor. In Masterworks: Jewels of the Collection you will find this large wooden sculpture of Tara depicted like a Newari queen. The Newari were the indigenous peoples of the Kathmandu Valley and highly skilled artists.
09. Artwork
Durga is a popular god often depicted in Nepal and one of the Museum's beloved pieces. This small sculpture demonstrates the high aesthetic quality of work produced by Newari artists and is a masterpiece of the collection.
10. Artwork
Visit Art with Benefits on the fourth floor, and find this large example of Vajradhara.
11. Ways to Support
There are many more Nepalese artworks through out the Museum which are tagged with #HonorNepal on their labels. Please continue your exploration and if you have questions, don't hesitate to stop one of our Visitor Experience associates.
If you're wondering how you can help after the aftermath of the earthquake in Nepal, view our list of vetted organizations seeking support here.
If you're wondering how you can help after the aftermath of the earthquake in Nepal, view our list of vetted organizations seeking support here.