About TAEC

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) is a local social enterprise founded in 2006 to promote the appreciation and transmission of Laos’ ethnic cultural heritage and livelihoods based on traditional skills.

The Centre’s primary activities are two-fold: a museum, and fair-trade handicrafts stores directly linked with artisan communities across Laos. TAEC’s work includes school outreach activities, craft workshops, lectures, and research. The Centre has expanded to include a growing collection of ethnic minority artefacts, a small library, family activity centre, and outdoor patio space for special events. 

TAEC has emerged as a regional leader in cultural heritage management and community development. It is the only independent resource and learning centre for both foreign visitors and local citizens dedicated to the country’s many and diverse ethnic groups.

Today, the Centre is engaged in a broad range of community engagement activities, reflecting our 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.

Past and Current Exhibitions