LHASA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Construction of China's first museum on Tibetan opera has started in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.

Covering an area of 1,080 square meters, the museum will display the history, schools and development of Tibetan opera, as well as its costumes, masks and stage properties, according to the region's traditional Tibetan opera troupe.

Through multimedia such as text, audio, photos and videos, the museum will serve as a platform for researchers and tourists to better understand this traditional opera.

Tracing back to the 14th century, Tibetan opera is mainly derived from history, legend and Buddhist teachings.

The museum is expected to cost around 5.44 million yuan (around 800,000 U.S. dollars), and the construction will end in the first half of 2019.

Panqu Wangchug, president of the troupe, said that the museum is significant to boosting the global popularity, protection and development of Tibetan opera.

Tibetan opera was awarded national intangible cultural heritage status in 2006 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009.