Bangkok: Museums & Theatres
The National Museum
Within walking distance from the Grand Palace to the north, across Sanam Luang, is one of the largest and comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The National Museum houses over one thousand artifacts ranging from neolithic times to the present Bangkok period. The complex, also founded in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colourful Thai architectural design.
The Museum is open everyday from 9 am to 4 pm except Mondays, Tuesdays and puhlic holidays.
Guided tours are provided in the mornings at 9.30 am.The tours are conducted in various languages.
Click here for details.
The National Theatre
It is situated on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Classical Thai dramas and other types of international arts are periodically staged here.
Current programmes can be checked out by telephoning the theatre on weekdays between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm. Special exhibition shows of classical Thai dance and music are held on the last Friday and Saturday of each month. Contact the theatre for more information.
The National Gallery
Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre. The National Gallery compiles and displays both classical and temporary arts of renowned Thai artists for those who are interested in art appreciation or study. His Majesty the King’s oil paintings are also exhibited to be appreciated by the public.
The gallery is open everyday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm except Mondays, Tuesdays and publicholidays.
The Royal Barge National Museum
This shed where several royal barges are displayed is located on Bangkok Noi Canal off the Chao Phraya River not far from Phra Pin Klan Bridge. The barges are used on the royal and government occasions and formerly served as war vessels.
The most beautiful and well-known barge is "Suphana-hong". It is used by the King only when he make His royal river procession for the Kathin ceremony, a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually during October or November. Besides, the royal barges proceeded during the Rattanakosin bicentennial celebrations. Presently
"Narai Songsuban Rachakarn Thi Kao" is the latest new royal barge especially built for the King and being used on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the king Accession to the Throne since 1996. The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors.
The shed is open to the public every day from 8.30 am. to 4.30 pm.
See more about Bangkok Noi Canal
Prasart Museum
It is located at No.9 Krung Thep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from prehistoric to Rattanakosin periods. Various styles of architecture, for example, a baroque building, a smaller replica of the Red Palace in Bangkok National Museum, and a replica of Ho Phra of Wat Yai Suwannaram, are included within the museum complex.
Prasart Museum is open daily during 10 am to 3 pm except Mondays. There is an admission tee of Baht 500 each (including a snack and beverage).
It is also open on weekdays for group visitors. Please make advance contact at Prasart Museum
House of Bangkok Dolls
Located within Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) of Ratchaprarop Road, Makasan area of Ratchathewi District, the House of Bangkok Dolls displays a large collection of dolls from various countries of the world including Bangkok dolls of different types like dolls dressed in classical theatrical outfits representing characters from the Ramayana, tribal people in various parts of the country, people of different professions, cuddly dolls for children, etc.
House of Bangkok Dolls is open to visitors who may inspect and buy dolls every day from 8 am to 5 pm except Sundays and public holidays.
Museum of the Royal Support Project at Aphisek Dusit Palace
Situated within the same compound of Viman Mek Mansion, the Palace itself was graciously established by King Rama V of Siam in 1904. The museum displays exquisite arts and crafts generated by members of the Royal Support Project under the Royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The most outstanding decorations of the Palace is the finely carved teak-wood similar to that of the Victorian-style wood carving in England.
Inside the museum a wide variety of exquisite handicrafts are displayed, e.g. silverware, gold and silver inlaid vessels, hand-woven textiles, embroidered materials, gold and silver nielloware and fine artworks made of the sparkling green wings of Buprestid beatle, etc.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Proper dress is required.
Thailand Cultural Centre
The Thailand Cultural center located on Ratchadaphisek Road, is an integrated center for social education and cultural activities. The main buildings include
The Main Hall - a auditorium fully equipped for stage presentations, concerts and international conferences,
The Small Hall - a multi-purpose auditorium combined with a amphitheatre,
and the Social Education and Exhibition Building housing a cultural library and Thai Life Permanent Exhibition.
The exhibition hall is open on weekdays.
