Lumbini Buddhist Art Gallery

So you know, we’re walkin’ down the street and I can’t help but notice beautiful colors and the smell of incense over to my left, and can’t help but walk into this small gem of a gallery with my 3 year old niece and 17 year old stepson.
First things first, can I just say that we were greeted ever so warmly and I was pleasantly surprised to not get a snobby look because I had a small child with me?! Not only were we left alone to admire all the beautiful work, but we were also given a brief history of Buddha while we were there. My stepson and niece were just as into the story as I was and I thought it was an amazing 10 minute experience.
The artwork is amazing and we were even able to see an unfinished piece in which the artist was even using actual 18k gold! The art was just so stunning, the hospitality truly amazing and the fact that the kiddos were just as smitten make me want to come back again!

I have been meaning to go into this place ever since I first noticed it over a month ago. Recently, my wife and I went in here and we were so glad we did.
From the doorway you can smell the incense and as soon as you walk in you feel the power of this sacred art. The director, Anil Thapa, has created a transcendent environment for experiencing his collection of scrolls, paintings and statues.
Anil spent time explaining the details of each piece were interested in, and we brought out even more pieces to show us once he got an idea of what were enjoying the most. His knowledge and eagerness to share it with us made the whole experience very meaningful for us.
I went back yesterday to purchase a few paintings for my wife’s birthday, as a surprise. I can’t wait to give them to her, and to enjoy them once we hang them up.
I highly recommend spending some time in this gallery, and talking to Mr. Thapa.

What a wonderful place. :) I stumbled in here one day, tired after class, drawn by the beautiful thangkas and the smell of incense. Anil Thapa was so kind. He greeted me warmly and offered me tea. The gallery is beautiful, Anil Thapa has a gorgeous aesthetic sense. We had a great talk about Tibetan Buddhism and Anil showed me his lovely shrine. I definitely recommend coming in here and checking out this space.

This place is really worth a stop. They have high-​quality original artworks at good prices in a serene setting. I really enjoyed seeing the diverse images and craftsmanship. I also love the gallery’s mission to help support traditional artists and educate people about this ancient form of art.

What a beautiful gallery! Anil Thapa is a warm soul who has created an inviting place to enjoy some of the most exquisite thangkas I have ever seen. Definitely worth stopping by for some tea just to be amongst these sacred paintings. How wonderful that Berkeley has been blessed with this lovely community space for art and spirituality!

This art gallery is such a gem! I absolutely love their mission in helping to bring awareness and preservation of the dying tradition of Thanka art. The work on display are simply spectacular. There is something relatable for everyone — from the novice who appreciates the beauty of the artwork and wants to learn more, to the Buddhist practitioners or experienced art collectors. It’s a place where you have to visit over and over to get the full experience as every single piece has so much depth. Anil, the owner, is very knowledgeable, friendly, and super passionate. When in the area, this is a highly recommended destination.

I was really impressed at the quality of the thangkas at Lumbini Buddhist Art Gallery. Every single thangka was a true work of art and some of the thangkas I viewed there expressed a uniform quality on a scale, from principal figure to even the smallest ornamentation, that one rarely sees anymore.
Anil’s heart definitely seems to be in the right place, and he enjoys helping you find the right piece. We’re lucky to have this shop in Berkeley.

The Thangka paintings are of an amazing quality. Each one tells a story and is worth spending time with. On my visit I learned that part of the gallery’s work is providing regular employment for skilled Nepali Thangka artists who regularly spend months and months on one painting. It’s difficult for artists to get paid a living wage for such detailed work that takes so long to produce. Anil has done a great job of bringing a bit of Nepal to Berkeley — the ambiance is wonderful and his depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the work is evident. I plan on returning soon!

Walking into the Lumbini gallery, you’re transported to another space and time, away from the hustle of the street just outside. Meditative music greets you, as does Anil, the owner of the gallery. Usually with a cup of tea. The gallery is packed full of high quality Buddhist thangka paintings. Anil takes the time (if you so desire) to explain the symbolism and meaning contained within each of the gorgeously painted pieces. He’s a great source of knowledge. The prices are reasonable, considering the incredible detail and time spent by Nepali artists to create these hand painted pieces. The gallery also has a large collection of singing bowls. If you’re in the market for a thangka painting, this is the place to go. Even if you’re not, check this place out.