The Rubin Museum of Art’s immersive environment stimulates learning, promotes understanding, and inspires personal connections to the ideas, cultures, and art of Himalayan Asia.
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The Rubin Museum of Art is an arts oasis and cultural hub in New York City’s vibrant Chelsea neighborhood that inspires visitors to make powerful connections between contemporary life and the art and ideas of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring regions. With a diverse array of thought-provoking exhibitions and programs—including films, concerts, and on-stage conversations—the Rubin provides immersive experiences that encourage personal discoveries and spark new ways of seeing the world. Emphasizing cross-cultural connections, the Rubin is a space to contemplate the big questions that extend across history and span human cultures.
Operating as usual
"Dark Red Forest" focuses on the women of the Yarchen Monastery and their experiences with the profound matters of life, death, healing, and karma.
Our friends MoMA The Museum of Modern Art and Film at Lincoln Center are screening this stunning documentary for their New Directors/New Films festival! Are you tuning in?
According to classic texts like “The Tibetan Book of the Dead” (as it's known by in the West), a series of peaceful and wrathful deities may appear before you upon death.
Listen to our Mindfulness Podcast episode inspired by a painting of the deities. http://therubin.org/31u
About the Meditation Meditation session led by Tracy Cochran. The guided meditation begins at 17:25. For centuries Himalayan practitioners have used meditation to quiet the mind, open the heart, calm the nervous system, and increase focus. Now Western scientists, business…
Happy Earth Day! 🌏🌿⛰️🐘🌳
In cultures around the world, the earth and natural landmarks are considered sacred. Tibet’s sacred geography is mapped out in this painting with Mount Wutai and its distinctive 5 multicolored peaks in the bottom left of the first image. Wutai is said to be the earthly abode of the bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjushri, and has been a focus of transnational pilgrimage for the Chinese, Tibetans, Mongols, and Manchus alike for more than 1000 years.
Mount Kailash’s snowy peaks tower over the plains in the top right of the second image. Kailash is worshiped as a holy place in several religions: Hindus believe it to be the home of Lord Shiva and the manifestation of heaven; Jains consider it the place where Rishabhadeva, Jainism’s creator, attained freedom from the cycle of life and rebirth; and some Buddhists believe it to be the center of the universe.
What geography is sacred to you?
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Sacred Earthly Realms and Heavenly Paradises; Central Tibet; 17th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2010.31 (HAR 210) #TibetanArt #Tibet #Wutai #Kailash
Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion and the patron deity of Tibet, presides over his celestial dwelling of Mount Potalaka, believed to be an island off the coast of Western India.
Listen to our latest Mindfulness Meditation Podcast episode, inspired by this painting: http://therubin.org/31k
How do curators approach representing Tibetan collections? What digital initiatives do museums plan to offer in the future?
Explore these questions and more at our upcoming virtual curator’s roundtable discussion on May 4 co-hosted by The Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia University.
The event will start with individual presentations from each of the curators, followed by a discussion and Q&A. Panelists include:
-Karl Debreczeny, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Art
-Elena Pakhoutova, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Art
-Kurt Behrendt, Associate Curator, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
-Jeff Durham, Associate Curator, Asian Art Museum
The Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia University and the Rubin Museum of Art are pleased to announce an upcoming roundtable discussion where four curators will share the processes behind the acquisition and presentation of the museums’ Tibetan collections. Representing different American ...
Milarepa is remembered for his remarkable determination and inspiring story of personal growth, which traces the progression from confusion to clarity.
Listen to our latest Mindfulness Meditation Podcast episode, inspired by a sculpture of Milarepa: http://therubin.org/31h
Milarepa is remembered for his remarkable determination and inspiring story of personal growth, which traces the progression from confusion to clarity.
Listen to our latest Mindfulness Meditation Podcast episode, inspired by a sculpture of Milarepa: http://therubin.org/31h
Tune in tonight for the virtual world premiere of the film "Looking for a Lady and a Moustache” at 5:00 PM EDT.
The screening is followed by a conversation between director Khyentse Norbu and renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson, part of our Brainwave talk series.
After you receive your link to stream the film and talk, you’ll have access to watch for 36 hours. Pay what you wish for tickets.
Attend the virtual live premiere of Looking for a Lady with Fangs and a Moustache, followed by a conversation between director Khyentse Norbu and renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson, part of the Rubin’s Brainwave talk series. Set and filmed on…
Avalokiteshvara, with his 1000 arms and 1000 eyes, is the embodiment of compassion.
A painting of the deity recently inspired our mindfulness community to face everyday chaos more gracefully. Learn more in our latest meditation podcast episode.
About the Mindfulness Meditation Podcast The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded…
Kick off our spring program series, Brainwave, with the virtual world premiere of the film "Looking for a Lady and a Moustache," this Thu. April 8 at 5 P.M.
Set and filmed on location in Kathmandu, Nepal, the film is an existential mystery drama that tells the story of a modern Tibetan entrepreneur, utterly skeptical of ancient, mystical beliefs, who is suddenly haunted by frightening dreams and hallucinations.
After the screening, stay tuned for a conversation between director Khyentse Norbu and neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson about the scientific and spiritual approaches in the film. Pay what you wish for tickets.
Attend the virtual live premiere of Looking for a Lady with Fangs and a Moustache, followed by a conversation between director Khyentse Norbu and renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson, part of the Rubin’s Brainwave talk series. Set and filmed on…
Our annual event series, Brainwave, returns this spring! Explore the concept of awareness with film screenings, unique experiences, a family program, and virtual talks with speakers like Tanya Selvaratnam, Deepak Chopra, and many more.
Are you in need of connection, restorative experiences, and the beauty of Himalayan Art? In addition to free admission to the Rubin and all our exhibitions, we offer a variety of exclusive virtual experiences for Museum members.
On March 30, members are invited to attend a book club event hosted by Museum docents on “The Art of Solitude” by Stephen Bachelor.
Next month, members can attend a private virtual talk with Elena Pakhoutova, Senior Curator, Himalayan Art. Elena will highlight several artworks from our newest exhibition, “Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment.”
We have more events in the works for the spring and summer that you won’t want to miss! Become a member: http://therubin.org/31b
Dear Rubin community,
We are appalled and heartbroken to see the continued rise in hate crimes and violence since the beginning of the pandemic against people of Asian descent across the country, including the recent murders in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. We mourn these victims and stand in solidarity with the families immediately impacted and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
As a museum that presents Asian art and cultures, we want to underscore that Asian hate, discrimination, misogyny, and violence has no place at the Rubin, and that we condemn all acts of bigotry. We aim for all our visitors, staff, volunteers and collaborators to feel safe when they visit the Rubin, in person and online. We remain committed to being a place of cultural learning, offering a safe space for discussion and reflection about our shared human experiences.
For community support, as well as ways to ally with New York’s AAPI communities and keep each other safe, please visit the resources on our website: http://therubin.org/31a
Dear Rubin community,
We are appalled and heartbroken to see the continued rise in hate crimes and violence since the beginning of the pandemic against people of Asian descent across the country, including the recent murders in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. We mourn these victims and stand in solidarity with the families immediately impacted and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
As a museum that presents Asian art and cultures, we want to underscore that Asian hate, discrimination, misogyny, and violence has no place at the Rubin, and that we condemn all acts of bigotry. We aim for all our visitors, staff, volunteers and collaborators to feel safe when they visit the Rubin, in person and online. We remain committed to being a place of cultural learning, offering a safe space for discussion and reflection about our shared human experiences.
For community support, as well as ways to ally with New York’s AAPI communities and keep each other safe, please visit the resources on our website: http://therubin.org/31a
This painting "Shakyamuni Buddha – Life Story" was the inspiration for our latest Mindfulness Meditation Podcast episode and live program on the theme “facing chaos” with Sharon Salzberg. Listen at the link and join our live meditations.
About the Mindfulness Meditation Podcast The Rubin Museum of Art presents a weekly meditation session led by a prominent meditation teacher from the New York area, with each session focusing on a specific work of art. This podcast is recorded…
The latest issue of “Spiral” magazine, our free, annual publication, is available now! 🗞️
"The Art of Awakening" issue offers perspectives on awakening in relation to Buddhism, pop culture, social justice activism, science, and more. This issue also offers DIY activities including a morning ritual, meditation, poetry prompt, and recipe.
Browse articles online or pick up a free print copy of the magazine in our lobby! You can also get a copy sent to your home from our online shop.
"Awaken" is now open on the Museum's 6th floor! 🎉 Navigate the exhibition, see artworks from the 7th–21st century, and glimpse at what it might mean to awaken the mind.
More on "Awaken:" http://therubin.org/316
Unplug, step away from the chaos, and embark on a journey of self-knowledge and transformation with “Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment,” opening March 12.
The exhibition features 35 traditional objects, including 14 from the Rubin Museum’s collection, with 2 contemporary works by Nepal born, Tibetan American artist Tsherin Sherpa.
Discover more when “Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment” opens this Friday!: http://therubin.org/316
Happy #InternationalWomensDay! In addition to the incredible women artists and Museum workers who we look up to every day, we’re inspired by the female figures of Himalayan art who represent various forms of wisdom and strength.
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This work depicts Magzor Gyalmo, the Queen Who Repels Armies, an enlightened, fierce protector deity. Sacred Mongolian textiles like this were usually stitched by women.
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Siddha Lakshmi is worshiped for her ability to overcome evil. She acts as a guru and stands on the hands of the great god Shiva, who attempts to understand her wisdom.
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Green Tara is the most beloved and ubiquitous female deity in the Himalayas. She maintains an important place on shrines for her powers to protect and heal.
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🔍 Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation; F1996.19.1 | Rubin Museum of Art C2004.34.4 | Rubin Museum of Art; Rubin Museum of Art C2003.11.1
This multipanel painting is artist Tsherin Sherpa’s response to the devastating earthquake that shook Nepal in 2015. It may also indicate the confusion felt in an unenlightened mind, where only some things can be recognized but the whole picture and its true significance are unclear.
Discover more when “Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment” opens next week on Friday, March 12: http://therubin.org/316
This multipanel painting is artist Tsherin Sherpa’s response to the devastating earthquake that shook Nepal in 2015. It may also indicate the confusion felt in an unenlightened mind, where only some things can be recognized but the whole picture and its true significance are unclear.
Discover more when “Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment” opens next week on Friday, March 12: http://therubin.org/316
Welcome back! We’re committed to keeping you healthy and safe while you’re at the Rubin! Plan a visit and reserve timed entry tickets in advance: http://therubin.org/30u
How do you visualize emptiness? ✨
About the Meditation Meditation session led by Rebecca Li The guided meditation begins at 13:26. For centuries Himalayan practitioners have used meditation to quiet the mind, open the heart, calm the nervous system, and increase focus. Now Western scientists, business…
This sculpture of the goddess Tara was the inspiration for our latest Mindfulness Meditation Podcast episode and live program.
Listen now and visit our event calendar to get pay-what-you-wish tickets to attend live: http://therubin.org/312
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Rubin Museum of Art; C2005.16.30 (HAR 65453)
Yama Dharmaraja is one of several terrifying forms of wisdom that help to overcome the cycle of suffering, death, and rebirth. Discover more when “Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment” opens on Friday, March 12.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/2ZdwRq4
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Yama Dharmaraja; Tibet; 18th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.409 (HAR 855)
Happy Losar and Lunar New Year! In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, this is the Year of the Iron (or Metal) Ox! 🐂 Oxen are known for being thoughtful, self-sustained, and patient animals that are not easily provoked into anger.
These intricate paintings are from a larger manuscript of the White Beryl, the Tibetan astrological divination treatise. Tibetan astrology is shaped by different traditions, including ancient Tibetan practices, Chinese and Indian astrological systems, and more. #Losar #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheOx #Astrology
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Sonam Peljor of Tsedong (dates unknown); Illuminated Manuscript of the White Beryl (details); Sakya Monastery, Tsang Province, Central Tibet; late 18th century; Pigments on cotton and lacquered wood covers; C2015.7.1-60
Next month we’re releasing "The Art of Awakening" issue of “Spiral” magazine, our free annual publication! 🗞️
Want a copy sent to your home? Sign up for our U.S. mailing list. There are only a few spots left: https://bit.ly/2N4lM7Z
Gather your family and join us this Sunday, Feb. 7, for an online celebration of Losar, the Tibetan New Year observed throughout the Himalayas.
Drop in from 1–4 PM for family art making and fun inspired by the Year of the Metal Ox! 🐂
Register: https://bit.ly/3cxmpBC
Tomorrow, our ongoing exhibition "Masterworks: A Journey through Himalayan Art" opens on our 5th floor! Preview highlights from the exhibition and plan a visit.
Masterworks: A Journey through Himalayan Art explores major strands in the development of art from the Himalayan region covering a period of more than one thousand years, with objects drawn primarily from the Rubin Museum’s collection. Masterworks is organized geographically…
150 W 17th St
New York, NY
10011
By Subway A, C and E to 14th Street (8th Avenue) 1 to 18th Street (7th Avenue) 1, 2, 3 to 14th Street (7th Avenue) F and M to 14th Street (6th Avenue) L to 14th Street (6th Avenue) N, R, Q, 4, 5 and 6 to 14th Street Union Square By Bus B20 to corner of 7th Avenue and 17th Street.
Review our community guidelines: http://therubin.org/guidelines
| Thursday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 11:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 17:00 |
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Next week, enter the portal of the Rubin Museum and celebrate the timeless wisdom of Himalayan art at our first virtual gala! Register: http://therubin.org/302 During this special evening fundraiser you’ll explore the mandala, awakening the mind, body, and heart while opening doors to your inner world to better navigate the outer world.
Tsherin Sherpa is one of the visual artists joining us for our Virtual Block Party this weekend. Visit rubinmuseum.org/blockparty on Sunday, September 20 at 12:00 PM EDT to watch the full video and peek into the artistic processes of Sherpa and other artists. You’ll also discover dance and music performances, and make art of your own! Thank you Tsherin Sherpa for giving us a look at your work!
The Rubin Museum Virtual Block Party this Sunday is a celebration of community and creativity, and we're inviting you and your family to make art of your own! This is a preview of our Drum Together activity, which shows you how to create a drum using materials at home to explore the nature of music. Visit rubinmuseum.org/blockparty on Sunday, September 20 at 12:00 PM EDT to watch the full video and "explore the block" with us and our friends!
We have some big news to share! The Rubin Museum is reopening on Saturday, Sept. 12! 🎈 We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make your visit as safe and inspiring as possible, and we can’t wait to welcome you back! When we reopen we will unveil a new installation on our 1st floor, "The Lotus Effect," which you will be able to participate in by bringing your own folded lotus to the Museum. All of our exhibitions on view when we closed in March will reopen, including the "Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room," where you will be able to have a few private moments of stillness and contemplation surrounded by art. Now for a few details: timed entry tickets are required every day, including Free Friday Nights, and advanced online reservation is strongly recommended. Tickets are available for Sept. 12–26, and if you're a member, you can reserve tickets for our preview days on Sept. 10 and 11. In other news, the Museum shop will also reopen to the public on Sept. 12, although Café Serai will remain temporarily closed—stay tuned for updates! Visit the link in our bio to plan a visit and learn more about our safety policies. | #RubinMuseum #AllInNYC
Dear followers, you’re invited to be part of a new installation at the Rubin: The Lotus Effect. Inspired by the work of artist Uttam Grandhi and the lotuses depicted in our collection that represent purity, awakening, transformation, and compassion, The Lotus Effect asks you create an origami lotus and contribute it to a participatory installation of gratitude and perseverance. Here’s how: • Watch this video to learn more about the project and how to fold a lotus. • Dedicate your lotus to someone or something that inspires you during challenging and transformative times. • Share your lotus with the Museum You can bring your lotus to the Rubin in person when we reopen or mail your lotus to us. You can also share on Instagram or Twitter anytime, tagging @RubinMuseum and #TheLotusEffect for a chance to have it installed digitally in the Museum lobby. • Follow us on social media over the next few weeks as we explore the various depictions and meanings of lotuses in paintings and sculptures from our collection. Visit our website for more information on the project and how to participate: http://therubin.org/2zr
In this episode of The Rubin Daily Offering, Rubin Museum Executive Director Jorrit Britschgi introduces a series of self-portraits by the contemporary artist Gonkar Gyatso. Then members of The Yakpo Collective share how personal growth and the impermanence of identity have shaped them as young artists from the Tibetan diaspora. __________ additional image credit: Gonkar Gyatso (b. 1961, Lhasa); My Identity series; 2007; chromogenic prints; courtesy of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Private Collection
In the final episode of The Rubin Daily Offering, Rubin Museum Executive Director Jorrit Britschgi describes the mandala of Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra, exploring how mandalas are used as a meditative tool and means to contemplate emptiness. Artist Palden Weinreb then explores how meditation and mantra guided his early practice.
In this episode, Rubin Museum Executive Director Jorrit Britschgi tells the story of the yogi and poet Milarepa. His dark past and transformation highlight our ability to change and grow, despite tumultuous beginnings. Then, Grammy-nominated Nepalese musician Manose improvises a piece on the bamboo flute inspired by Milarepa. He asks us to not only listen to our environments in new ways but also to resonate with silence.
In this episode of The Rubin Daily Offering, Rubin Museum Executive Director Jorrit Britschgi describes a standing prayer wheel. Artist Youdhistir Maharjan then shares his labor-intensive artistic practice. While staying at home, Maharjan is cutting each individual letter out of Gabriel García Márquez’s book One Hundred Years of Solitude, showing that the repetitive and mundane can become a form of meditation.
Today we begin the 6th and final week of The Rubin Daily Offering, featuring artists with ties to the Himalayan region. Join us over the next 5 days as arists share creative practices that inspire their work and invite us to think creatively and collaboratively. In the 1st episode, Rubin Museum Executive Director Jorrit Britschgi introduces Tsherin Sherpa’s "Wish-fulfilling Tree," currently on view in the Rubin Museum’s exhibition "Shrine Room Projects." Then artist Tsherin Sherpa invites viewers to share an image of a treasured object as a collective act to create connection during this time of separation. What object makes you contemplate loss? Share with us on instagram tagging @RubinMuseum and #EngageWithChange.
This past week, musicians from the artist collective Brooklyn Raga Massive have joined the Rubin’s Assistant Manager of Digital Engagement Aidan Young to explore lessons in impermanence from the Museum’s art collection and how uncertainty can fuel inspiration in our lives. In this episode, Aidan explores an intricate painting from a set that depicts the eight manifestations of Padmasambhava. Then Arun Ramamurthy and Trina Basu share lessons in embracing the unknown and a musical offering, an improvisation in raga Yaman.
In this episode of The Rubin Daily Offering, the Museum's Assistant Manager of Digital Engagement Aidan Young describes a vivid contemporary painting of the Wheel of Existence, a visual representation of Buddhist beliefs about life, death, and rebirth. Then musician Kaoru Watanabe (@kaorufue) shares a composition on the shinobue, taiko, and narimono called Chiru, exploring intention and the breath.
In this episode, the Rubin's Assistant Manager of Digital Engagement Aidan Young explores a beautiful sculpture of Vajravarahi, the powerful deity who embodies the wisdom of all buddhas. Then musician Kane Mathis of Brooklyn Raga Massive explores how to be reflective and authentic, taking us through an improvisation on the oud of Uşşak Taksim.
In this episode, the Rubin's Assistant Manager of Digital Engagement Aidan Young describes a vibrant painting of the mahasiddhas Kamala, Suvarnadvipa, and Viraya, who are three of the 84 great mahasiddhas. Then musician Jay Gandhi inspires us to embrace spontaneity and subtle emotions, as he shares a musical offering from Alep, the opening section of the raga Desh.
For the fifth week of The Rubin Daily Offering, musicians from the artist collective Brooklyn Raga Massive join the Rubin’s Assistant Manager of Digital Engagement Aidan Young to explore lessons in impermanence from the Museum’s art collection and how uncertainty can fuel inspiration in our lives. In this episode, Aidan introduces a thangka painting of Saraswati, a goddess of learning, music, and aesthetics. Then Roopa Mahadevan offers a teaching on resilience and performs a musical piece from the raga Kalyani.
In the final episode of the week, the Rubin’s Manager of Visitor Experience and Interpretation Dawnette Samuels explores a painting of Prajnaparamita, or the mother of perfection. Then the Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi teaches us about this special deity and how she embodies the message of the Heart Sutra, inspiring us to move toward wisdom.
In this episode, the Rubin's Manager of Visitor Experience and Interpretation Dawnette Samuels describes a beautiful sculpture of Vajrasattva, a primordial buddha. Then the Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi shares the Hundred Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva to help us be more present and fearless.
In this episode, the Rubin's Manager of Visitor Experience and Interpretation Dawnette Samuels explores an intricate, striking image of the Bodhisattva of Compassion Avalokiteshvara, also known as Lokeshvara. Then the Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi leads a meditation to inspire loving-kindness in ourselves and others, reminding us that despite distance we are all connected.
In this episode, the Rubin’s Manager of Visitor Experience and Interpretation Dawnette Samuels describes a beautiful portrait of the Buddha Maitreya, or the Future Buddha, near his cave of meditation. Then Buddhist monk the Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi teaches us how Maitreya can inspire our own buddha nature and potential for buddhahood.
For the 4th week of The Rubin Daily Offering, Buddhist monk and Founding Director of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi joins the Rubin’s Manager of Visitor Experience and Interpretation Dawnette Samuels to explore various teachings inspired by deities depicted in the Rubin Museum art collection that can help us find peace in solitude. In this episode, Dawnette Samuels introduces a sculpture of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Then the Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi offers a teaching and moment of meditation on the foundational mantra of Manjushri, "om ara pa tsa na dhi."
In the final episode of the week, the Rubin's Chief Experience Officer Jamie Lawyer introduces us to a painting of the enlightened being Vajrayogini, surrounded by her fellow dakinis (sky goers). Then meditation teacher and sustainability coach Kate Johnson leads a meditation to explore how we can be inspired to go with the flow and embrace movement.
Today, the Rubin's Chief Experience Officer Jamie Lawyer introduces us to a painting of Milarepa, the famed Tibetan poet and yogi. Then, meditation teacher and sustainability coach Kate Johnson leads a meditation inspired by Milarepa’s gesture of listening to help us expand our receptive awareness.
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