Art lovers, Bangkok is your hub! The capital city of Thailand is a thriving, lively hotspot brimming with impressive creativity. Though it isn’t on an extravagant scale like New York City, the city introduces you to an unconventional setup of art scene. Ranging from intricate art designs, traditional motifs and statuettes, surrealistic installations, impressive street art and contemporary structures – the fusion of tradition and modern art can be found all around the city. However, the city is home to some amazing galleries that showcases Bangkok’s passion for art. If you are keen to check out the art scene in depth, we suggest you take a trip to some of these remarkable art museums in Bangkok.
Top 5 Bangkok Museums every Art-Lover ought to Visit
1.Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Revolving around Bangkok’s extensive contemporary art scene, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre features a medley of creativeness under one roof. This art museum in Bangkok showcases a wide range of contemporary art, illustrations, and installations, designs, films, music and theatre from local and international artists. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre focus on being a platform for artists around the world to promote their talent and brings together an incredible collection for the public to witness. It also gives significance to cultural development and encourages cultural diversity by hosting cultural programs and activities. Located right in the city centre of Bangkok, at the edge of the Pathumwan intersection, this Bangkok attraction is an art centre for people to come together and indulge in culture and art experience.
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sunday: 10.00 am to 9.00 pm
Admission Cost: Free of cost
2.The Jim Thompson House Museum
If you are at Rama I Road in Bangkok, walk along Soi Kasemsan 2 and an attractive Thai museum enclosed in verdant gardens will charm your sights. One of the popular things to see in Bangkok, Jim Thompson House Museum was once a residence of an American silk entrepreneur whose extreme love for South Asian art resonates throughout the villa. Made out of authentic Thai teak-wood and accentuated with traditional Asian and Western decors, the museum complex has 6 Thai houses filled with an eclectic collection of rare antiques collected through centuries. The exhibits are mostly of Asian origin and include paintings, sculptures, collectables and porcelain figurines. Situated on the edge of Saen Saeb Canal, this Bangkok sightseeing also feels like a tiny slice of natural paradise as it reflects rain-forest like ambience since the museum is shrouded in thick, green foliage.
Operating hours: Daily: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Cost: 150 Thai Baht per person for guided tours
3.Art in Paradise – 3D museum
Similar to Trick Eye Museum in Singapore and Seoul, Art in Paradise, Bangkok plays with optical illusions to create interactive 3D exhibits. Located in Esplanade Mall at Ratchadapisek Road, this 3D art museum is first of its kind in Bangkok that lets you be part of the paintings and illustrations. The exhibits usually take inspiration from historic paintings, fairy tale, nursery rhymes, movies and natural landscapes. A place for all ages to enjoy, Art in Paradise Bangkok catapults you into a world of surreal imagination. It is a great place for clicking Instagram worthy pictures where you get to strike a pose as if you are flying on a magic carpet, surfing on a huge wave or walking on a wobbly rope bridge suspended above an abyss. The illusions are mind-boggling, an experience that will leave a lasting impression of your Bangkok trip. It is definitely a great place to visit in Bangkok for thrill and fun filled time with friends, families, and kids.
Operating hours: Daily: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Admission Cost: 300 Thai Baht per adult and 200 Thai Baht per child.
4.Museum of Contemporary Art
This fascinating Bangkok museum is a must visit sightseeing for any art lover. Installed within a five-storeyed square shaped building are more than 800 exhibits of art that range from Thai influenced modern art and sculptures. Located at Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, this art gallery in Bangkok has the most comprehensive collection of fine arts. In fact, it is the largest arena in the city dedicated to contemporary art scene displaying works of Thai artists from different generations. The architectural structure has a minimal and contemporary look that gives a nod to Thai culture with elements such as lotus-inspired sculpture at the entrance of the museum. Prominent artists whose works featured here are Chalermchai Kositpipat – famous for his White Temple design at Chiang Rai, Prateep Khotchabua, Chalood Nimsame – renowned Thai artist, and famous European painters of the Victorian era.
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sunday: 10.00 am to 18.00 pm
Admission Cost: 180 Thai Baht per person. Senior citizen and children under 15: Free of Cost
5.Bangkok National Gallery
Located inside a stunning neo-Palladian historic structure which was the former Royal Thai Mint of the nation, Bangkok National Gallery is home to an impressive assortment of Thai masterpieces curated over generations. This Thai museum features works by King Rama, current King Rama IX and legendary Thai painters of the 17th century and modern day artists. The collection ranges from traditional art of the nation to Western and contemporary art. The courtyards and gardens showcase impressive art forms, installations, and sculptures. The Bangkok National museum is just a few minutes from Khao San Road and is located opposite the National Theatre at Chao-Fa Road.
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Admission Cost: 30 Thai Baht per person
The bustling city of Bangkok is a destination steeped in inspiration and creativity. The art scene here is thought-provoking, beautiful and ever-evolving. Artists, both local and international showcase their talent here and avid art lovers can get a great experience of Thailand’s ancient Thai art as well as the captivating modern art scenario. So if you are someone with an artistic soul and would like to explore Bangkok’s creative side, then next time you apply for Thailand tourist visa, add in some of these art museums to your Bangkok travel plan to give an artsy touch to your Bangkok trip.