Best Cultural Museums in Bangkok
Where to Discover the Best of Bangkok Culture?
While Bangkok is known for its unusual and kitschy museums (Madame Tussauds, Batcat Toy, and Samut Prakan: The Ancient City), it’s also home to cultural cornerstones that showcase impressive collections of ancient Thai artifacts, contemporary and classical artworks, and royal barges that have been carved entirely by hand.
Head to Bangkok National Museum for the country’s most extensive collection of local art and historic objects or pay a visit to extraordinary Erawan for its tri-headed elephant statue, rare Eastern antiques, religious iconography, and psychedelic décor. There are lesser-known gems too, like the Thai Film Archive (a must for world cinema buffs).
What are the best cultural museums in Bangkok?
1. Bangkok National Museum
One of Southeast Asia’s largest museums
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The Bangkok National Museum displays Thailand’s most extensive collection of local art and artifacts. Founded by King Rama V, the museum occupies the former 18th-century Wang Na Palace in Phra Nakhon.
It’s within walking distance of Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace, so you can easily combine a day trip to these spots while travelling around Bangkok. Exhibits are arranged into three distinct areas based on Thai history, with good English descriptions available. Read more
Location: 4 Soi Na Phra That, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 8.30 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +66 2 224 1370
Bangkok National Museum
2. Museum of Siam
An interactive exploration of Thai culture and history
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Museum of Siam occupies a very large neoclassical house near Wat Pho. It’s definitely not the usual display of historical artifacts and dusty mannequins you’d expect to find in such an antique building. Instead, wooden stairs, ceramic tiles, and old-fashioned columns contrast with resolutely modern art.
From room to room, ‘The Roong’ transports you through all things Thai, from the very beginning of Ayutthaya to modern daily life. Major moments in Thai history are spotlighted including wars, the Buddhist faith, and finally the rapid entry into the 20th and 21st centuries. Read more
Location: 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 2 225 2777
Museum of Siam
3. MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
A collection of masterful modern works
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok (MOCA) is home to a comprehensive collection of modern Thai paintings and sculptures. The museum’s permanent collections highlight some of the country’s most celebrated artists, including Lampu Kansanoh, Denpong Wongsaroj, and Bundit Padungvichian.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok is in Chatuchak, about 6.5 km north of the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station. Don’t miss Happiness, a beautiful sculptural landmark that has stood the test of time by artist Nonthivathn Chandhanaphalin. Read more
Location: 499 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 2 016 5667
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
4. Bangkokian Museum
Take a peak into early Bangkok life
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The Bangkokian Museum may be a simple and discreet museum in Bangrak, but this small frozen-in-time gem charms with its many wonders. The complex (which is sometimes called the Bangkok Folk Museum) showcases two beautifully preserved early 20th-century heritage houses.
You can get in for free by writing down your name in the museum’s well-loved guestbook. Inside, admire antique furniture, period artifacts, and an enthralling gallery of historic Bangkok photographs. Before you leave, rest a while by the tinkling garden fountains.
Location: 273 Saphan Yao Alley, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 2 233 7027
Bangkokian Museum
5. Erawan Museum
Home of the three-headed elephant statue
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Erawan Museum Bangkok is home to a massive tri-headed elephant statue that stands on an equally gargantuan pedestal. Cast in a pure green-hued copper, this 250-tonne structure spans 29 meters in height and 39 meters in length.
The museum spans three levels representing the underworld, the human earth, and heaven. Just about every part of the museum showcases rare Eastern antiques, religious iconography, and psychedelic décor. Located in Samut Prakan, it’s a little outside Bangkok, but you can get there by taking the BTS Skytrain (Sukhumvit Line) to Pu Chao Station. Read more
Location: 99 Kanchanaphisek Rd, Bang Mueang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +66 88 695 9307
Erawan Museum
6. House of Museums
Nostalgic collections of vintage Thai objects
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The House of Museums is a fun and eclectic display of objects from the early 20th century to the late 1960s. If you are Thai and happened to be born in this era, all the objects on display will certainly bring back memories.
Each floor has its own little specialty: an old pharmacy, an electronics shop with bulky TV sets and laughable ‘portable’ phones, a classroom, and a scaled-down movie theatre. Our favorite exhibit is the antique dentist cabinet and s comprehensive array of torture tools dentists used at the time, usually accompanied by the ritual line, “Trust me, this won’t hurt a bit.“
Location: 17 Soi Sala Thammasop 3, Sala Thammasop, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok 10170, Thailand
Open: Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed from Mondays to Fridays)
Phone: +66 89 666 2008
House of Museums
7. Bangkok National Gallery
Masterful artworks dating from the 17th century to present day
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
The Bangkok National Gallery mainly focuses on Thai artists working between the 17th century and modern times. The garden and courtyard areas usually display some interesting sculptures too. The special collection building is at the back of the courtyard. Head here to view pieces from home and abroad including painting, prints, and installations.
Without extensive knowledge of Thai art, fully understanding the permanent collection can be difficult. It’s worth checking out the temporary, more modern exhibitions housed in the gardens and special collections areas as they are definitely more accessible. Read more
Location: 4 Chao Fa Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +66 2 282 8525
Bangkok National Gallery
8. Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
Multimedia exhibits dedicated to the Rattanakosin era
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is dedicated to the history of Bangkok’s royal city, locally known as Rattanakosin Island. Nine dazzling exhibition rooms showcase a series of films, musical numbers, and computer displays that will thoroughly engage you.
The museum’s Nitas Rattanakosin exhibit conveys stories about the many aspects of the Rattanakosin era. An observation room and café occupy the top floor, where you can enjoy great views of Wat Saket, Queen Sirikit Gallery, and King Prajadhipok Museum.
Location: 100 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 2 621 0044
Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
9. Royal Barges National Museum
Breathtakingly beautiful boats
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The Royal Barges Museum displays eight of Thailand’s most unique and stunning vessels, the Royal Barges. These boats are reserved for auspicious ceremonies and stately occasions like the very rare Royal Barge Procession—they’ve only made an appearance on the water about 16 times in the last 65 years.
You can easily find the Royal Barges Museum near the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. The barges are beautifully adorned with revered Thai deities and are ornately hand painted in glorious gold paint. Read more
Location: 80/1 Rim Khlong Bangkok Noi Arun Amarin, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +66 2 424 0004
Royal Barges National Museum
10. Silpa Bhirasri National Museum
A mecca for modern art
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
Silpa Bhirasri National Museum is dedicated to an Italian-born sculptor who first came to Thailand in 1923 to work for the Department of Fine Arts. He’s regarded as the father of modern art in Thailand and his works are on display in public places throughout the city.
Many iconic landmarks and monuments were cast by his able hands, and some of his best-known works include the Democracy Monument and statues of King Taksin, King Rama I, and King Rama VI. His memorial at Silapakorn University displays his paintings and sculptures as well as the works of his pupils, including famous painters Fua Haripitak, Khien Yimsiri, and Sawasdi Tantisuk.
Location: Fine Arts Department, Silpakorn University, 31 Na Phra Lan Rd, Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +66 2 223 6162
Silpa Bhirasri National Museum
11. Suan Pakkad Palace
Traditional homes teeming with Thai antiques
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Suan Pakkad Palace in Ratchathewi occupies a well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds. The grounds are home to eight traditional Thai houses, each which exhibits fine arts, antiques, and oddities belonging to Prince Chumbhotbongsaribatra.
The architectural centerpieces at Suan Pakkad Palace are the four Thai teak houses between the front of the palace and the garden—a family heirloom dating from the 19th century. Each was transported here from its original location in Chiang Mai and, like most traditional Thai houses, span two elegant storeys. Read more
Location: 352 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Phone: +66 2 245 4934
Suan Pakkad Palace
12. Thai Film Archive
An homage to the silver screen
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Thai Film Archive, founded in 1984 by historian and former chief archivist Dome Sukwong, has a surprisingly rich collection considering its modest size. The museum is divided into several rooms packed with all kinds of movie equipment. Learn about shooting films, montages, double overs, cartoon making, ticketing, and the projection of the movie itself.
The star of the museum is an amazing steam train parked outside, with a bronze statue of Buster Keaton sitting on the wheel, recreating the scene from The General (1927.) You can also watch movies at the onsite Sri Salaya Theatre.
Location: 94 Moo 3 Phutthamonthon Sai 5 Road, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9,30 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +66 2 482 2013
Thai Film Archive
13. Prasart Museum
Uncover exclusive Thai antiques and artifacts
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Prasart Museum is an eclectic assembly of buildings that are replicas of influential Thai palaces, houses, and royal residences. Some date as far back as the Ayutthaya period. Highlights include the Red Palace, a recreation of a Thai-style teak house that King Rama I built for his sister in 1784, and a colonial-style mansion dating back to the 19th century.
Set in a lush tropical garden, Prasart also serves as a center of education and research for those interested in Thai antiquities. Pieces from the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods are on display, including several Sukhothai Buddha images, religious statues, and items of furniture. This is a private museum and tours are by appointment only.
Location: 4A Krungthep Kritha, Soi 4, Hua Mak, Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Open: Tours are by appointment only. Contact Prasart Museum directly.
Phone: +66 2 379 3601
Prasart Museum
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