Editing Kathmandu (section)

=== Arts ===
[[File:Chaitya at Bakunani.jpg|thumb|Stone carvings, called ''[[Chaitya#Nepal|Chaityas]]'', seen in street corners and courtyards]]

Kathmandu valley the City of [[Newar people|Newars]] is described as "an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures", which are made of wood, stone, metal, and [[terracotta]], and found in profusion in temples, shrines, stupas, gompas, chaityas and palaces. The art objects are also seen in street corners, lanes, private courtyards, and in open ground. Most art is in the form of icons of gods and goddesses. Kathmandu valley has had this art treasure for a very long time, but received worldwide recognition only after the country opened to the outside world in 1950.<ref name="Jha p.21">Jha p. 21</ref>

The religious art of Nepal and Kathmandu in particular consists of an iconic symbolism of the Mother Goddesses such as: Bhavani, Durga, Gaja-Lakshmi, Hariti-Sitala, Mahsishamardini, Saptamatrika (seven mother goddesses), and Sri-Lakshmi (wealth-goddess). From the 3rd century BCE, apart from the Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist monuments from the Ashokan period (it is said that [[Ashoka]] visited Nepal in 250&nbsp;BC) have embellished Nepal in general and the valley in particular. These art and architectural edifices encompass three major periods of evolution: the [[Licchavi (kingdom)|Licchavi]] or classical period (500 to 900&nbsp;AD), the post-classical period (1000 to 1400&nbsp;AD), with strong influence of the Palla art form; the Malla period (1400 onwards) that exhibited explicitly [[tantra|tantric]] influences coupled with the art of [[Tibetan culture|Tibetan]] [[Demonology]].<ref name="Jha p.23">Jha p. 23</ref>
[[File:Shivalaya Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (5).jpg|thumb|Shiva temples along Bagmati river of [[Pashupatinath Temple|Pashupatinath]]]]
A broad typology has been ascribed to the decorative designs and carvings created by the people of Nepal. These artists have maintained a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. The typology, based on the type of material used are: stone art, metal art, wood art, terracotta art, and painting.<ref>Jha pp. 23–24</ref>

==== Museums ====
Kathmandu is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the [[National Museum of Nepal]] and the [[Natural History Museum of Nepal]]. Nepal's art and architecture is an amalgamation of two ancient religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. These are amply reflected in the many temples, shrines, stupas, monasteries, and palaces in the seven well-defined Monument Zones of the Kathmandu valley are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amalgamation is also reflected in the planning and exhibitions in museums and art galleries throughout Kathmandu and its sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. The museums display unique artefacts and paintings from the 5th century CE to the present day, including archaeological exportation.<ref name="asia">{{cite web |url=http://www.asiatravel.com/nepal/nepalgal.html |title=Museums and Art Galleries of Nepal |publisher=Asiatravel.com |access-date=18 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819000914/http://www.asiatravel.com/nepal/nepalgal.html |archive-date=19 August 2012}}</ref>

Museums and art galleries in Kathmandu include:<ref name="asia" />

* [[National Museum of Nepal|The National Museum]]
* [[Natural History Museum of Nepal|The Natural History Museum]]
* [[Hanuman Dhoka]] Palace Complex
* [[Kaiser Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana#Kaiser Library|The Kaiser Library]]
* The National Art Gallery
* The NEF-ART (Nepal Fine Art) Gallery
* The Nepal Art Council Gallery
* [[Narayanhiti Palace]] Museum
* [[Taragaon Museum|The Taragaon Museum]]

[[File:Nepal.Museum.JPG|thumb|[[National Museum of Nepal|The National Museum of Nepal]]|alt=|218x218px]]

The National Museum is in the western part of Kathmandu, near the Swayambhunath stupa in a historical building constructed in the early 19th century by General [[Bhimsen Thapa]]. It is the most important museum in the country, housing an extensive collection of weapons, art and antiquities of historic and cultural importance. The museum was established in 1928 as a collection house of war trophies and weapons, and the initial name of this museum was ''Chhauni Silkhana'', meaning "the stone house of arms and ammunition". Given its focus, the museum contains many weapons, including locally made firearms used in wars, leather [[cannon]]s from the 18th–19th century, and medieval and modern works in wood, [[bronze]], [[Rock (geology)|stone]] and paintings.<ref name="Museums">{{cite web |url=http://www.asiatravel.com/nepal/nepalgal.html |title=Museums and art galleries |publisher=Asia Travel |access-date=18 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819000914/http://www.asiatravel.com/nepal/nepalgal.html |archive-date=19 August 2012}}</ref>

The Natural History Museum is in the southern foothills of Swayambhunath hill and has a sizeable collection of different species of animals, [[butterflies]], and plants. The museum is noted for its display of species, from prehistoric shells to stuffed animals.<ref name="Museums" />

The Tribhuvan Museum contains artifacts related to [[Tribhuvan of Nepal|King Tribhuvan]] (1906–1955). It has a variety of pieces including his personal belongings, letters, and papers, memorabilia related to events he was involved in and a rare collection of photos and paintings of Royal family members. The Mahendra Museum is dedicated to the [[Mahendra of Nepal|King Mahendra]] (1920–1972). Like the Tribhuvan Museum, it includes his personal belongings such as decorations, stamps, coins and personal notes and manuscripts, but it also has structural reconstructions of his cabinet room and office chamber. The Hanumandhoka Palace, a lavish medieval palace complex in the Durbar, contains three separate museums of historic importance. These museums include the Birendra museum, which contains items related to the second-last monarch, [[Birendra of Nepal|King Birendra]].<ref name="Museums" />

The enclosed compound of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum is in the north-central part of Kathmandu. "Narayanhiti" ({{Langx|ne|नारायणहिटी}}) comes from ''Narayana'' ({{Langx|ne|नारायण}}), a form of the Hindu god [[Lord Vishnu|Vishnu]], and ''Hiti'' ({{Langx|ne|हिटी}}), meaning "water spout" (the temple of lord Vishnu is opposite to the palace, and the water spout is east of the main entrance to the precinct). The current palace building was built in 1970 in front of the old palace, built in 1915, in the form of a contemporary pagoda. It was built on the occasion of the marriage of the then crown prince and heir apparent to the throne, [[Birendra of Nepal|Birendra]]. The southern gate of the palace is at the crossing of Prithvipath and [[Durbar Marg]] roads. The palace area covers {{convert|30|ha|acre}} and is fully secured with gates on all sides.<ref name="Woodhatch">{{Cite book |last=Woodhatch |first=Tom |title=Nepal handbook |page=[https://archive.org/details/nepalhandbook0000wood/page/194 194] |access-date=17 December 2009 |url=https://archive.org/details/nepalhandbook0000wood |url-access=registration |publisher=Footprint Travel Guides |year=1999 |isbn=978-1-900949-44-6}}</ref><ref name="Planet">{{Cite book |page=[https://archive.org/details/nepal00brad/page/38 38] |title=Nepal |chapter=History – Royal Troubles |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dtSIz1vwg4YC&pg=PA38 |publisher=Lonely Planet |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-74059-699-2 |first1=Bradley |last1=Mayhew |first2=Joe |last2=Bindloss |first3=Stan |last3=Armington |access-date=17 December 2016 |url=https://archive.org/details/nepal00brad/page/38}}</ref><ref name="Vibhaga">{{Cite book |last=Vibhaga |first=Nepal Sūcanā |title=Narayanhity Royal Palace, home of the King of Nepal |page=5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N2kKAQAAIAAJ |publisher=His Majesty's Govt., Ministry of Communications, Dept. of Information |year=1975 |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-date=9 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009082732/https://books.google.com/books?id=N2kKAQAAIAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> This palace was the scene of the [[Nepali royal massacre]]. After the fall of the monarchy, it has been converted into a museum.

The Taragaon Museum presents the modern history of the Kathmandu valley.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/TheTaragaonMuseum The Taragaon Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235159/https://www.facebook.com/TheTaragaonMuseum |date=3 September 2015 }} on Facebook</ref> It seeks to document 50 years of research and cultural heritage conservation of the Kathmandu Valley, documenting what artists, photographers, architects, and anthropologists from abroad had contributed in the second half of the 20th century. The actual structure of the museum showcases restoration and rehabilitation efforts to preserve the built heritage of Kathmandu. It was designed by Carl Pruscha (master-planner of the Kathmandu Valley)<ref name="spacesnepal.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.spacesnepal.com/archives/sept_oct10/2010IJ2.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140525061211/http://www.spacesnepal.com/archives/sept_oct10/2010IJ2.php |url-status=dead |title=SPACES Magazine – Carl Pruscha |date=25 May 2014 |archive-date=25 May 2014}}</ref> in 1970 and constructed in 1971.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cpruscha.com/1964-1974/ceda-building-centre-for-regional-development/ |title=Carl Pruscha " 06 Taragaon – Hostel |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200403/http://cpruscha.com/1964-1974/ceda-building-centre-for-regional-development/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Restoration works began in 2010 to rehabilitate the Taragaon hostel into the Taragaon Museum. The design uses local brick along with modern architectural design elements, as well as the use of circle, triangles and squares.<ref name="spacesnepal.com" /> The museum is within a short walk from the Boudhanath stupa, which itself can be seen from the museum tower.

==== Art galleries ====

[[File:Cloisonne Buddha Statue in Buddhist Art Gallery, Kathmandu, Nepal.jpg|thumb|upright|A Buddhist statue display in Kathmandu|alt=]]

Kathmandu is a centre for art in Nepal, displaying the work of contemporary artists in the country and also collections of historical artists. Patan in particular is an ancient city noted for its fine arts and crafts. Art in Kathmandu is vibrant, demonstrating a fusion of traditionalism and modern art, derived from a great number of national, Asian, and global influences. Nepali art is commonly divided into two areas: the idealistic traditional painting known as [[Paubha]]s in Nepal and perhaps more commonly known as [[Thangka]]s in Tibet, closely linked to the country's religious history and on the other hand the contemporary western-style painting, including nature-based compositions or abstract artwork based on Tantric elements and social themes of which painters in Nepal are well noted for.<ref name="Museums" /> Internationally, the British-based charity, the Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre is involved with promoting arts in Kathmandu.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kathmanduarts.org/ |title=Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre |publisher=Kathmanduarts.org |access-date=4 July 2010 |archive-date=27 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727200540/http://www.kathmanduarts.org/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Kathmandu houses many notable art galleries. The NAFA Gallery, operated by the Arts and crafts Department of the [[Nepal Academy]] is housed in Sita Bhavan, a neo-classical old Rana palace.<ref name="Museums" />

The Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery, inside the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition grounds, hosts the work of contemporary painters and sculptors, and regularly organizes exhibitions. It also runs morning and evening classes in the schools of art. Also of note is the Moti Azima Gallery, in a three-storied building in Bhimsenthan which contains an impressive collection of traditional utensils and handmade dolls and items typical of a medieval [[Newar]] house, giving an important insight into Nepali history. The J Art Gallery near the former royal palace in [[Durbar Marg|Durbarmarg]] displays the artwork of eminent, established Nepali painters. The Nepal Art Council Gallery, in the [[Babar Mahal]], on the way to [[Tribhuvan International Airport]] contains artwork of both national and international artists and extensive halls regularly used for art exhibitions.<ref name="Museums" />

==== Literature ====

The National Library of Nepal is located in Patan. It is the largest library in the country with more than 70,000 books in English, [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Sanskrit]], [[Hindi]], and [[Newar language|Nepal Bhasa]]. The library is in possession of rare scholarly books in Sanskrit and English dating from the 17th century. Kathmandu also contains the Kaiser Library, in the [[Kaiser Mahal]] on the ground floor of the [[Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Nepal)|Ministry of Education]] building. This collection of around 45,000 books is derived from a personal collection of [[Kaiser Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana|Kaiser Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana]]. It covers a wide range of subjects including history, law, art, religion, and philosophy, as well as a Sanskrit manual of [[Tantra]], which is believed to be over 1,000 years old.<ref name="Museums" /> The 2015 earthquake caused severe damage to the Ministry of Education building, and the contents of the Kaiser Library have been temporarily relocated.
[[File:Asa Archives, Kathmandu.jpg|thumb|Asa Archives|alt=]]

The Asa Archives are also noteworthy. They specialize in medieval history and religious traditions of the Kathmandu valley. The archives, in Kulambhulu, have a collection of some 6,000 loose-leaf handwritten books and 1,000 palm-leaf manuscripts (mostly in Sanskrit or Nepal Bhasa) and a manuscript dated to 1464.<ref name="Museums" />

==== Cinema and theatre ====

Kathmandu is home to [[Cinema of Nepal|Nepali cinema]] and theatres. The city contains several theatres, including the National Dance Theatre in Kanti Path, the Ganga Theatre, the Himalayan Theatre and the Aarohan Theater Group founded in 1982. The M. Art Theater is based in the city. The Gurukul School of Theatre organizes the Kathmandu International Theater Festival, attracting artists from all over the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=Theatre fest begins |url=http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2010/11/17/et-cetera/theatre-fest-begins/214962/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140101154140/http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2010/11/17/et-cetera/theatre-fest-begins/214962/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 January 2014 |access-date=1 January 2014 |newspaper=The Kathmandu Post |date=18 November 2010}}</ref> A mini theatre has been opened at the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, established by the Durbar Conservation and Promotion Committee.

Kathmandu has a number of cinemas (old single screen establishments and some new multiplexes) showing Nepali, [[Bollywood]] and [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] films. Some old establishments include Vishwajyoti Cinema Hall, Jai Nepal Hall, Kumari Cinema Hall, Gopi Krishna Cinema Hall and Guna Cinema Hall. Kathmandu also houses some international standard cinema theatres and multiplexes, such as [[QFX Cinemas]], Cine De Chef, Fcube Cinemas, Q's Cinemas, Big Movies, BSR Movies and many more.

In October 2023, Kathmandu was named a UNESCO [[City of Film]] and joined the [[UNESCO]] [[Creative Cities Network]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/55-new-cities-join-unesco-creative-cities-network-world-cities-day|title=55 new cities join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network on World Cities Day|access-date=2024-04-08|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130042457/https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/55-new-cities-join-unesco-creative-cities-network-world-cities-day|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Music ====
[[File:Gunla bajan performance.jpg|thumb|upright|Traditional Buddhist musical performance during [[Gunla]]]]

Kathmandu is the center of music and dance in Nepal, and these art forms are integral to understanding the city. Musical performances are organized in cultural venues. Music is a part of the traditional aspect of Kathmandu. [[Gunla]] is the traditional music festival according to [[Nepal Sambat]]. Newar music originated in Kathmandu. Furthermore, music from all over Nepal can be found in Kathmandu.

A number of [[hippie]]s visited Kathmandu during the 1970s and introduced [[rock music]] and [[jazz]] to the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://roadsandkingdoms.com/travel-guide/kathmandu/soundtrackkathmandu/ |work=roadsandkingdoms.com |title=A Soundtrack to Kathmandu |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=23 April 2023 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423065434/https://roadsandkingdoms.com/travel-guide/kathmandu/soundtrackkathmandu/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kathmandu is noted internationally for its [[jazz]] festival, popularly known as [[Jazzmandu]]. It is the only jazz festival in the Himalayan region and was established in March 2002. The festival attracts musicians from countries worldwide, such as Australia, Denmark, United States, [[Benin]], and India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jazzmandu – About Us |url=https://jazzmandu.org/about-us/ |website=Jazzmandu |access-date=16 June 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617090315/https://jazzmandu.org/about-us/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The city has been referenced in numerous songs, including works by [[Cat Stevens]] ('Katmandu', ''[[Mona Bone Jakon]]'' (1970), [[Bob Seger]] ('Katmandu', ''[[Beautiful Loser]]'' (1975)), [[Rush (band)|Rush]] ('[[A Passage to Bangkok]]', ''Pulling into Kathmandu''; ''[[2112 (album)|2112]]'', 1976), [[John Lennon]] ('[[Nobody Told Me]]' (1984, posthumously)), [[Krematorij]] ('Kathmandu', ''Three Springs'' (2000)), [[Fito Páez]] (''Tráfico por Katmandú''&nbsp;– "Traffic through Kathmandu") and Cavalcade ('Kathmandu Kid') 2019.