2,500 Years of Heritage

The Living Art of Mithila Heritage

Bringing together artists, scholars, and communities to preserve, present, and celebrate the timeless visual tradition of Mithila — from New York to the world stage.

Our Story Support Us

Arts & Heritage

Preserving 2,500 years of Mithila's visual tradition — from sacred wall paintings to international exhibitions — ensuring this living art form endures and inspires for generations to come.
Cultural Diplomacy

Building bridges between Nepal, India, and the global diaspora through art, education, and cultural exchange — fostering mutual understanding and strengthening Mithila's international presence.
Sustainable Development

Aligning Mithila heritage with UN Sustainable Development Goals — empowering artists, supporting livelihoods, and channeling the power of culture for lasting social and environmental impact.

Origins of Mithila Art

Mithila art, also known as Madhubani art, is one of the world's oldest continuous folk art traditions, dating back over 2,000–2,500 years. Originating in the Mithila region of present-day Nepal and India, it is deeply rooted in cultural, spiritual, and social life, with strong connections to ancient traditions and the Ramayana.

A Living Tradition

Traditionally practiced by women, Mithila art was created on the walls and floors of homes during festivals, weddings, and rituals. Using natural colors and handmade tools, artists depicted stories of mythology, nature, and daily life, creating a rich visual language passed down through generations.

From Local to Global

In the 20th century, Mithila art transitioned from household spaces to paper and canvas, gaining national and international recognition. Today, it continues to evolve—blending traditional motifs with modern themes such as sustainability, identity, and social awareness while preserving its authenticity.

Mithila Center USA

Building on this rich legacy, Mithila Center USA was established to preserve, promote, and expand the global presence of Mithila heritage. Through exhibitions, educational programs, festivals, and international initiatives, it connects artists and communities across borders.

Our Role & Vision

Mithila Center USA ensures that Mithila art remains a living tradition—respected for its history, relevant in today's world, and accessible to future generations. By bridging tradition with global engagement, it continues to carry forward the stories, values, and identity of Mithila culture.

Learn More: Mission & Vision

Upcoming Events

Free

Jun 5–20

Art Exhibition at the European Union Headquarters

June 5–20, 2026

10:00 AM

Brussels

Mithila Center USA proudly announces a landmark presentation of Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage at the European Union Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium—a defining moment in the global journey of Mithila art. Set within one of the world’s most influential diplomatic hubs,

Free Entry

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Mithila Center USA

Dedicated to Preserving & Advancing Authentic Mithila Heritage

Mithila Center USA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing authentic Mithila Heritage through art, education, cultural programming, and community engagement. It seeks to support artists, strengthen cultural identity, and create opportunities for younger generations to connect with their roots.

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Lineage

Preserving the ancestral visual language of Mithila and its centuries-old artistic identity.
Stewardship

Safeguarding cultural knowledge, artist traditions, and community memory for future generations.
Expression

Elevating Mithila art as a living form of storytelling, identity, and global cultural dialogue.

8+ Years of Service
50+ Exhibitions
200+ Artists Supported
15K+ Community Members Engaged

Our Programs

What We Do

From community festivals to global artist platforms, our programs bridge tradition and the future of Mithila art and culture.

Mithila Festival

Community Festivals & Cultural Celebrations

Through events like Mithila Festival USA, Vivah Panchami, and seasonal celebrations, we bring communities together to celebrate Mithila traditions. These programs foster belonging, cultural exchange, and shared experiences across diverse audiences.
Youth Engagement & Education

Empowering the Next Generation

We empower the next generation through workshops, mentorship programs, and cultural education initiatives. Our youth programs introduce Mithila art and heritage in engaging ways, helping children and young adults build cultural pride, creativity, and connection to their roots.
Artist Support & Global Platform

Visibility, Recognition & International Reach

We work closely with artists from Nepal, India, and the diaspora to provide visibility, recognition, and opportunities to showcase their work internationally. Our programs help elevate artists while preserving the authenticity of Mithila traditions.
AAPI Heritage Celebration

Cultural Representation & Artistic Platform

Through engagement in AAPI Heritage celebrations, Mithila Center USA brings Mithila art and traditions into broader multicultural platforms, strengthening visibility and cross-cultural understanding. We provide a platform for AAPI heritage artists to showcase their work, creating space for representation, dialogue, and cultural pride.

Art for Sustainable Development

Mithila Art Meets UN SDGs

We harness the power of traditional Mithila art to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, creating a unique bridge between cultural preservation and global progress.

Empowering communities through art education, workshops, and cultural literacy programs tied to the Mithila tradition.
Amplifying women's voices through Mithila art — a tradition where women artists have always been at the centre of creative and cultural life.
Using the ecological symbolism of Mithila art to raise awareness about climate change, exhibited at the United Nations Headquarters in 2024.
Connecting Mithila heritage with biodiversity and ecosystem protection through art, youth workshops, and community engagement.

Explore Our SDG Initiatives

SDG 4

Quality Education

Empowering communities through art education, workshops, and cultural literacy programs tied to the Mithila tradition.

Mithila painting of the Museum of Mithila Heritage

A World-Class Institution for Living Heritage and Arts

The Museum of Mithila Arts New York will be the first dedicated institution in North America celebrating the artistic traditions of the Mithila region. Our vision is to create a space where ancient wisdom meets contemporary dialogue.

Permanent Collection

Over 500 authentic Mithila artworks spanning five centuries of tradition.
Research Center

Academic resources and archives for scholars, students, and cultural researchers.
Artist Residency

Programs for traditional artists from Nepal and India to create, teach, and collaborate.
Cultural Events

Year-round exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and performances open to all New Yorkers.

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Achievements

Recognition & Press

Our work has been recognized by leading global institutions, cultural bodies, and media organizations committed to the preservation of living heritage.

Media Recognition 2026

National Geographic Society

Recognised by National Geographic for excellence in documenting the visual storytelling traditions of the Mithila region.
Digital Partnership 2026

Google Arts & Culture

Featured partner on Google Arts & Culture, showcasing Mithila art to global audiences through immersive digital experiences.
Partner Recognition 2026

Smithsonian Institution

Acknowledged by the Smithsonian Institution for excellence in folk art preservation and cross-cultural exchange programming.
International Award 2026

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Recognised by UNESCO for outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions of the Mithila region.