It is one of the most important and prominent institutes in the world to conduct research in the areas of Tibetan language and culture. It also houses a museum, a Tibetan library with rich collections and also a research center for Tibet and the Himalayas in general. Designed in the Tibetan architectural style in the center of lush green nature, the façade is magnificent with its tall golden towers, beautiful and important murals and colourful paintings. The museum is situated on the ground floor and has several rare collections of sculptures, coins, thangkas (which are hand-painted scrolls and embroidery work), Tibetan works of art & artifacts, and ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha.

The museum and the library are open to the public from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, public holidays and the second Saturday of each month. Before entering the museum; you need to take off your shoes. Photography is not allowed inside, but you can take a photo through the windows.