– By Luc Citrinot –
Visiting museums probably did not cross your mind when thinking of Bangkok. But rest assured, Thailand’s capital has something more to offer, except for the bars, night markets, food stalls and temples. It is also a haven for culture freaks. Some 40 museums are open to the public and new ones are popping up every year! True, some tend to be a bit dusty or didactic, but many have been recently modernized, while other are true labor of love. Here are five museums not to be missed, ranging from sublime to charming.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
We acknowledge it: the National Museum is not some Bangkok’s best well-kept secret. It is in fact a must-see on many tourist itineraries. Created in 1874 under King Chulalongkorn, the museum took its current shape when King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) promulgated the venerable institution into Bangkok National Museum. It is Southeast Asia largest National Museum, and until recently one of the dustiest as well. According to an insider, curators did not dare to start any renovations to keep the layout decided by King Rama VII.
But in 2015, a miracle occurred. The former Sivamokhaphiman Throne Hall has been renovated and reopened to welcome Thailand national sculpture collections. And suddenly, exquisite sculptures of Buddha and deities, stored for years in dusty dark rooms, were again revealed to the public with special lighting, a modern presentation and short but lively explanations. All the styles are there, from Dvarati to Lopburi (Khmer) arts, from Lanna (Northern Thailand) to the Sriwijaya (Southern Thailand) styles, from the masterpieces of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods to the golden bronzes of the Rattanakosin era, at the end of the 19th century. The museum is also more visitors’ friendly: Thai and English audio guides are available for free while photography (without flashlight) is now allowed. The other museum’s galleries are now getting a similar face-lift aimed to bring back some of the institution’s lost glamour.
– Bangkok National Museum
Addresses: 4 Chao Fa Rd, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm
Phone: 02 224 1370
MUSEUM OF SIAM
You might have heard the term “kwampenthai” –“Thainess”, used as an excuse for just about any behavior, good or not so. If you are curious to go to the source of Thainess, the best place to visit is the Museum of Siam. Located next to Wat Pho and Chakrabong’s villa, the Italian-style building used to be the Ministry of Commerce and was converted a decade ago into a museum. It offers a fun-filled vision of Thailand quintessence, from the origin of the population to daily life. Interactive display, funny movies, costumes to try: it is a great way to learn all about Thai specificities… And your kids will love the place!!!
– Museum of Siam
Addresses: Thanon Sanam Chai, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: 02 225 2777
PARASUKAWAN PALACE
Across from Ananta Samakom Hall, around the corner of Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue and Sri Ayutthaya Road, there is a superb palace, a curious mix of Art Nouveau and classical styles. This is the Police Museum of the country. Most fascinating is the building itself. Constructed for Prince Chakrabongse family by Italian architect Mario Tamagno, the palace is a fascinating baroque structure with its golden stucco, mirrors and heavy chandeliers. A true piece of Europe in the middle of Bangkok. Behind it, in a modern structure, stands the collection of the police museum. More interesting than it initially seems, it tracks back the history of Thailand judicial system, show police uniforms and explain the evolution of technologies’ used to track criminals. Best of it: the museum is free of charge.
– Parusakawan Palace
Addresses: Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd., Khet Dusit, Bangkok 10300
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: 02-282-5057
BANGKOKIAN MUSEUM
You might pass in front of the place without noticing it. At the end of the Soi 43 in Charoen Krung, just after the tollway bridge on the right side, stands a small house with a garden.
The Bangkokian Museum belongs to an old lady who was raised there. In her eighties now, the lady collected all kind of memorabilia of her daily life: from school books to advertising, from toys to cigarette boxes, from play cards to tins. It is all there today while the main house has been kept intact, with all the furniture from a Thai Chinese family from the 1940s. It’s a trip back to the past. And with a bit of luck, the owner will be there to greet you and talk about her memories. A charming place to discover and then hard to forget…
– Bangkokian Museum or Bangkok Folk Museum
Addresses: 71/2 Saphan Yao Alley, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm
Phone: 02 233 7027
BAAN KUDICHIN MUSEUM
This is Bangkok’s newest museum and it is again a private initiative. The founder, Mrs Navinee Ponthai, explains that her family moved to this little corner of Thonburi 247 years ago. It is known as Kudijeen (or Kudichin) Community area and is delimited on one side by Wat Arun and on the other by Santa Cruz Church. Mrs. Ponthai is proud of her long heritage and had the idea to create a museum, which would explain to younger generations the legacy of this community which is of Portuguese, Chinese and Thai descent. The museum is in development and features rooms showing the history of Portuguese arriving in Thailand, the way they used to live and their traditions today. There is a small garden and a Portuguese style coffee shop with Kudijeen specialties. A terrace on the top floor provides a wonderful vista over the district, Wat Arun and the Chao Praya River. Another charming discovery of an unknown Bangkok.
– Baan Kudichin Museum
Addresses: 271 Soi Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Phone: 081 772 5184
