Due to lack of functional space and outdated facilities, safety and fire-fighting equipment, approved by the government of Tibet Autonomous Region, Tibet Museum will be temporarily closed for 3 to 5 years for renovation and expansion since December 1, 2016.

In Oct. 1999, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China as well as the 40th anniversary of Tibet's democratic reform, Tibet Museum opened to public. Covering an area of over 50000 square meters and with distinctive characteristics of traditional Tibetan architectural art, Tibet Museum deeply reflects the practical characteristics and artistic charm of modern architecture at the same time. The Chinese name of "Tibet Museum" is inscribed by comrade Jiang Zemin. While the Tibetan name is facsimiled from Tripitaka.

The basic exhibition of "Tibetan culture and history" was awarded as one of the national top ten museum exhibitions in 1999. In 2002, Tibet Museum was rated as AAAA scenic spot.

By 2013, there are not only large performance venue that are suitable for modern cultural and sports activities but also cultural landscapes with Tibetan folk culture garden and manor as its main body in Tibet Museum. In addition, there are many service facilities such as multi-function hall, cultural corridor, craft store and so on. Now Tibet Museum is a place for collecting, exhibiting and researching human cultural heritages as well as a sightseeing place for tourists. It brings lots of cultural knowledge to citizens and tourists. Therefore, people can not only understand Tibet's art history, national customs and development process, but also realize the development and changes of modern Tibet.