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Research Seminar SeriesTitle:
At the Crossroads of Art, Architecture, and Heritage: Rehousing the Itum Baha Paintings
Speaker:
Azad Thapa, ICOMOS Nepal and Treasure Caretaker Training
Date, Time and Venue:
9 November 2025/२३ कात्तिक २०८२ (आइतबार, दिउँसो ३ बजे)
Martin Chautari Seminar Hall, Thapathali, Kathmandu
LIVE:
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www.youtube.com/mchautari
Abstract:
Courtyard monasteries (Baha: and Bahi) shape the urban and cultural topography of Kathmandu Valley. Among them, Itum Baha:, dating back to the mid-11th century, stands as a ‘bedrock of Buddhism’. Its distinguished pedigree truly embodies the living heritage of the Nepali mandala, from intricately carved wooden structures to revered statues, artwork, and sacred relics. In 2023, Itum Baha: made strides towards a new museum typology by becoming a monastery museum, with a first-floor display titled “The Stolen Paintings of Itum Baha”.
This presentation traces the full arc of these three ‘stolen’ historic paintings, defined by antinomies. Stolen in 1980 and ultimately returned to their original residence on July 27, 2025, after 45 years, the paubha-s (ritual paintings) are masterfully rendered. Valued collectively at over $2.2 million, the paubhas embody intangible heritage and artistic values far beyond market price. The presentation will also underscore the forthcoming plans of the Shree Keshchandra Mahavihar Conservation Society to properly rehouse the paintings—balancing conservation needs, ritual functions, and community engagement. By situating the paintings and their reinstallation at the intersection of art, architecture, and heritage, the presentation reflects on broader questions of art museum practices, architectural adaptations, and heritage restitution.
The paubha-s are:
Four Supplicants before a Divine Couple
Dated by inscription to 1704
1.35 x 1.56 m
Portrait of Gaganshim Baro with his Wives
1450-74
1.48 x 1.87 m
Chintamani Lokeshvara and Tara
1700-1725
1.40 x 1.64 m
About the Speaker:
Azad Thapa holds a Master’s degree in World Heritage Studies from Brandenburg University of Technology, Germany, and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Kathmandu Engineering College, Nepal. Azad has worked internationally across museums, research institutions, and heritage organizations. He developed audience-centered texts, digital media, and interactive experiences at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles to enhance visitor engagement and accessibility. In Nepal, he managed pop-up exhibitions at Kathmandu Art House and contributed to the conservation of earthquake-damaged temples at Pashupati. His architectural work with Architecture Sans Frontières Nepal focused on earthquake-resilient design for marginalized communities.
Beyond practice, Azad has engaged in research and policy dialogue, including serving as rapporteur for the ICOMOS co-sponsored international meeting on culture, heritage, and climate change. He has also reviewed nominations for the World Monuments Watch and participated in European Heritage Volunteer programs.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Post Box 13470, 27 Jeet Jung Marg Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600, Nepal
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
