National Museum : Established in 1926 in the reign of King Rama VII, it is located within walking distance of the Grand Palace next to Thammasat University, this is the largest and most comprehensive museum in Southeast Asia. It contains an 18th century palace and a group of well-designed buildings, housing Thailand's artistic treasures from prehistoric to contemporary.
The National Museum houses three permanent exhibition galleries as follows:
1. The Thai History Gallery
2. The Archaeological & Art History Collections
3. The Decorative Arts & Ethnological Collections
King Prajadhipok Museum : The neoclassic building of the museum was built in 1906, towards the end of King Rama V's reign. Designed by a Western architect, the three-storey concrete edifice is decorated with Greco-Roman motifs and reliefs with a dome-shaped tower topping its front hall. It was originally known as the John Sampson Store, selling Western clothing and custom-made suits.
In 1933, the Public Works Department took over the building as its headquarters. In 2001, King Prajadhipok Institute received the sanction of the Public Works Department for use of the building as the museum.
Permanent Exhibition Halls : Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors, the halls display the royal regalia and personal effects of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and photographs, documents and films concerning the King's life and the two historic events, in which the King played a leading role -- the 1932 Revolution and the Conferment of the first Constitution of Thailand.
National Theatre : It is located next to the National Museum near Sanam Luang Ground. The theatre features performances of khon, a Thai mask dance drama, on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month, at 13.30 and 17.00 hours. And on the last Friday of every month at 17.00 hours, Sisuk Nattakam Group of the Fine Arts Department stages lakhon, another type of Thai classical dance drama.
Joe Louis Theatre : Here is the only place in Thailand to view hun lakhon lek, a Thai traditional puppet show, the last surviving art of its kind in the country.
National Art Gallery : The National Art Gallery exhibits both classical and contemporary arts of renowned Thai artists. His Majesty King Bhumibol's oil paintings are also displayed. For more information, call 0 2281 2224, 0 2282 2639.
The Queen's Gallery : The Queen's Gallery Foundation was established in August 2003 in response to the gracious wish of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit to provide a permanent home for the exhibition of a wide range of Thai visual arts especially paintings and sculpture.
Suan Pakkad Palace : Suan Pakkad Palace, built by Prince and Princess Chumbhot of Nakhon Sawan, consists of five traditional Thai houses overlooking a beautiful garden. They were moved from Chiang Mai in 1952. The palace, which has been turned into a museum, displays works of art, antiques and everyday objects such as perfume bottles, betel-nut boxes and musical instruments.
Khamthieng House : Located in the compound of the Siam Society on Asok Road, this authentic northern Thai teak house was built in Chiang Mai in 1848. It was moved in perfect condition to Bangkok in 1963 in order to keep a specimen of the Lanna Thai style architecture for the younger generations.
Thailand Cultural Center : This is an ideal place to view all forms of cultural performances, both national and international. Symphony orchestra concerts are also held here regularly. In the large area of the centre, there are information office and rooms for organizing seminars, conferences, and other activities related to education and culture. Besides, the centre has a hall featuring a permanent exhibition on the history of the Thai people, their lifestyles and culture.
Jim Thompson's House : This remarkable Thai-style wooden house once belonged to the late Mr. Jim Thompson, an American silk entrepreneur. The house, now a museum, displays Mr. Thompson's splendid collection of Asian artefacts and antiques.
