Thailand

This museum is one of the must-visit attractions in the city of Bangkok. It is located between Thammasat University and the National Theatre, on 4 Na Phra That Road, and is the largest museum in Southeast Asia. The collection of Thai and Asian art exhibited here provides a comprehensive overview of Thailand's history up to the present day.

History

The idea for the National Museum of Bangkok originated during the reign of King Rama IV. He wanted to preserve his private collections of ancient objects, which led to the museum's establishment in 1859. When King Rama V ascended the throne in 1874, he ordered the opening of the first public museum within the Grand Palace so that the people could view King Rama IV's royal collection. Thus, the inauguration ceremony of the Concordia Pavilion museum took place on September 19, 1874, marking the birth of Thailand's first national museum, as recognized by the local Department of Fine Arts. In 1887, King Rama V relocated the Concordia museum to the palace and renamed it the "Wang Na Museum." In 1926, it was renamed the "Bangkok Museum,"  and later in 1934, it received its current and definitive name.

Description

The National Museum of Bangkok consists of three main exhibition halls:

Siwamokhaphiman Hall

This hall showcases the history of Thailand. The building was constructed during the period of the construction of the palace for the prince successor of King Rama I.

The Red House

This teak wood structure was formerly part of the private residence of Princess Sri Sudarak, the elder sister of King Rama II. Inside, you will find personal items belonging to Queen Sri Suriyendra.

The Buddhaisawan Chapel

Built in 1787 to house the famous Buddha image, Phra Buddha Singh. During the Songkran festival, this image is traditionally splashed with water by the faithful.

Today

It is the country's first public museum, housing the largest collection of Southeast Asian art, predominantly of Thai origin. Among the cultural objects on display are Khon masks, ceramics, puppets, wooden sculptures, gemstones, traditional musical instruments, textiles, ancient clothing, Chinese weapons, and much more.

The engraved stone pillar of King Rama the Great, also known as Pho-khun Ramkamhaeng, is also exhibited in this museum. It is recognized as the oldest written record in Thai.

As mentioned earlier, if you venture into the Buddhaisawan Chapel, you will discover one of the most significant images in the country, the Phra Buddha Singh. You can also admire beautiful murals depicting scenes from Buddha's life.

Additionally, the museum proudly displays royal carriages used during the funeral processions of important royal figures, including those of Princess Mother Srinagarindra in 1995 and Princess Galyani Vadhana, the king's elder sister, in 2008.

For enthusiasts of Buddhist art, numerous collections of Buddhist objects from across Asia are also on display.

Hours and admission

The National Museum of Bangkok is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on public holidays. Guided tours are offered in multiple languages by museum volunteers, including French, English, German, and Japanese. The entrance fee is 200 baht per person.

Good to know

-You can take photographs of the various art objects exhibited in the museum, but the use of flash photography is strictly prohibited.
-Visitors carrying large bags should be mindful of museum regulations.
-Shoe-wearing is prohibited in some museum buildings, so it is advisable to wear lightweight shoes that are easy to remove.