The exhibition introduces to the visitors one of the less known countries in the Himalayas – Bhutan which is known in our country rather only by climbers and travelers. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, Bhutan is also characteristic for its traditional textile manufacturing which represents a very important part of cultural heritage.

The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan has lent dozens objects from their collections, especially jewellery, clothing and textiles. Visitors will be able to admire all of the artifacts at the new exhibition Bhutan - Land Close to Heaven in the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures.

The local clothes have their own symbolism on which Bhutanese people are very proud of. Weaving even belongs to one of the artistic disciplines. The environment of Bhutan will be also illustrated by photographs of Czech travelers who visited the country as recently as decades ago.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a rich program consisting of interesting lectures about culture and traditions. Visitors will meet examples of Bhutanese weaving production through thematic seminars and creative workshops.

Besides visiting the capital Bhutan's Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck also toured the regions. Her Majesty the Queen Mother visited the Museum of Glass and a glass manufacture in Nový Bor in order to see the production of Bohemian glass that is popular with the Bhutanese elites and which she personally admires.

The glass manufacture and atelier in Kunratice near Cvikov is owned by Jiri Pacinek, former employee who launched his own firm several years ago. He cooperates with a number of world-renowned designers and presents his products all over the world. The royal delegation from the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," how the Bhutanese call their homeland, did not choose Pacinek's plant by coincidence.

The Czech Embassy to India previously organised a much-acclaimed exhibition of Czech glass in New Delhi and Mumbai. Her majesty saw the exhibition, she liked the glass and wanted to know how it is produced. Mr. Pacinek´s atelier therefore arranged a glass-making show for the Queen Mother.

Later, after visiting North Bohemia the Bhutanese Delegation also traveled South to České Budějovice where they attended festive opening of Shangri-La exhibition that depicts the magic journey through the mythical valley of everlasting happiness, Shangri-La, hidden “somewhere in the Himalayas”. The exhibition provides a complex overview of four countries: Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.