Editing Kathmandu (section)

==== 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" />