Myanmar's orthodox culture is an amalgam of folk and royal culture. Buddhism has been a part of Myanmar's culture since the 1st century AD and has blended with non-Buddhist beliefs. The most conspicuous manifestation of Buddhist culture is the magnificent architecture and sculpture of Myanmar's many temples and monasteries, notably those at Pagan, Mandalay, and Yangôn.

Wood carving, lacquerwork, goldwork, silverwork, and the sculpting of Buddhist images and mythological figures also survived during colonial rule; there has been a revival of these indigenous art traditions under government patronage. Both the arts of bronze casting among the Burmans and of making bronze drums among the Karen, disappeared. The orthodox marionette show also declined, although occasionally there have been attempts to revive it. The cinema and rock music are two Western art forms that have been accepted in the cultural life of Myanmar.