Bangkok – The National Museum
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The National Museum, the largest museum in Southeast Asia, is a short walk of the Grand Palace. It is the country’s central treasury of art and archaeology. The museum is located in the former palace of the vice king, next to the Sanam Luang.
The museum was built as part of the Grand Palace complex when the capital of Siam was moved from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1782. It covers a broad range of subjects, like historical surveys and religious sculpture displays. The buildings were originally constructed in 1782 as the palace of Rama I’s viceroy, Prince Wang Na. Rama V turned it into a museum in 1884.
To see the entire collection, start with the Thai History and the Prehistoric Galleries in the first building. At the history wing are some real treasures like King Ramakamhaeng’s inscribed stone pillar (the oldest record of Thai writing), King Taksin’s throne and the Rama V section. The Red House was originally the living quarters of the sister of King Rama I, Princess Sri Sudarak.
In the central exhibits hall, there are collections of traditional musical instruments from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia, as well as ceramics, clothing and textiles, woodcarving, royal regalia, and Chinese art and weaponry. The Fine art and sculpture buildings cover every Southeast Asian art period and style, from Dvaravati to Ratanakosin.
Hours: Wed-Sun 9am-3:30pm. Free English-language tours Wed and Thurs 9:30am.
Location Na Phra That Rd, About 1km/ 2/3 mile north of the Grand Palace
Phone 02224-1333
Prices Admission 40B
Website http://www.thailandmuseum.com
