Thailand

The Maiiam Contemporary Arts Museum is located in Baan Ton Pao, in the Sankampaeng district, east of downtown Chiang Mai. Linked to the royal family of Siam, François Jean-Michel Beurdeley, descended from art specialists, his wife Patsri Bunnag, and their son Eric Booth Bunnag established the museum to showcase collections they have amassed over the past three decades.

History of Maiiam Museum

Established in 2016 by the Bunnag-Beurdeley family, the Maiiam Museum houses collections spanning regional and national arts accumulated over thirty years. The museum aims to share these collections with the public, featuring works by prominent Thai artists such as Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Montien Boonma, and Chatchai Puipi. It also supports young artists.

The museum's name is derived from the Thai phrase "Mai Iam," where "Mai" means "new" and "Iam" refers to Jao Jom Iam, the royal consort of King Rama V, with ties to the museum's founders. King Rama V is renowned for overseeing Thailand's modernization.

In 2017, Maiiam Museum was awarded the Leading Cultural Destinations Award.

Visiting Maiiam Museum

Designed by Bangkok-based architecture firm All Zone, the Maiiam Museum spans two levels across 3,000 square meters. Its distinctive exterior features reflective brickwork reminiscent of traditional Thai temples.

The museum is easily recognizable by its unique architecture and the mirrored wall that surrounds it.

The ground floor houses the entrance hall, dedicated to the history of the Bunnag family and Jao Jom Iam, along with the temporary exhibition hall.

The first floor includes a permanent collection hall and two additional exhibition spaces.

Strategically designed, the museum's central area hosts new exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events.

A front section of the building accommodates various activities organized by the museum.

Visitors can dine at the Kampangkaew Café, offering Thai and international cuisine, along with hot and cold beverages, in a contemporary setting.

Getting to Maiiam Museum

Located in the cultural district of Sankanpang, it's about a twenty-minute drive from downtown Chiang Mai. Minibuses from Worarot Market provide easy access, stopping directly at Maiiam.

Public red taxis are also familiar with the museum's location, often referred to as the "house with the mirrored wall."

Private transportation services like Sawa’Discovery can arrange direct trips to the museum.

Opening hours

Maiiam Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except on Tuesdays.