When it comes to art and culture, Bangkok is a vibrant canvas, teeming with museums, exhibition spaces, and showcases that highlight the finest aspects of Thailand's heritage, both historical and contemporary. In addition to famous classic works such as the Bangkok Arts & Culture Center, recent years have seen the emergence of new venues around the city, from exhibition spaces and museums to cinemas. Immerse yourself and explore the traditions of Thailand with the vibrant museums and galleries below. Bangkok becomes a city both unfamiliar and familiar.
When it comes to art and culture, Bangkok is a vibrant canvas, teeming with museums, exhibition spaces, and showcases that highlight the finest aspects of Thailand's heritage, both historical and contemporary. In addition to famous classic works such as the Bangkok Arts & Culture Center, recent years have seen the emergence of new venues around the city, from exhibition spaces and museums to cinemas. Immerse yourself and explore the traditions of Thailand with the vibrant museums and galleries below. Bangkok becomes a city both unfamiliar and familiar.
1. Bangkok Arts and Culture Center (BACC)
Type: Contemporary art exhibition space and cultural center
Location: 939, Rama I Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330
Price: Free
Combine shopping in Siam Square with learning about contemporary culture at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center. This nine-story building is not just an art exhibition space: it is a venue for all things cultural, from film screenings and live music to art workshops and provocative stage performances. Since opening nearly 15 years ago, the exhibition space has hosted a range of exhibitions by world-renowned artists, including famous Chinese exile artist Ai Weiwei and the UK-based Foster + Partners design firm, along with honoring emerging local talents. Start with a coffee at Gallery Drip on the ground floor and pick up some souvenirs at the Bookmoby bookstore on your way. Then, climb the spiral staircase to admire the photographs, paintings, and installations.
2. Lido Connect
What to visit: Cultural space for exhibitions, performances, and screenings
Location: 256, Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
When the iconic 50-year-old Scala cinema in the heart of Siam Square closed, the building was quickly taken over by a recording company. Newly refurbished as Lido Connect, it has now become a cultural space for art exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Movie buffs need not worry as you can still drop by to enjoy a good film. On the second floor, there is also a film editing room called Xanap Lab.
3. Jim Thompson House Museum
What to visit: a museum dedicated to the history of silk
Location: 6, Kasem San 2 alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Price: 200 THB/6 USD
The teakwood buildings and gardens of the Jim Thompson House Museum create a peaceful oasis in the midst of Siam Square. Thompson, an American businessman, was dubbed the 'Thai Silk King' for reviving the silk industry in the 1950s and 60s. The museum is housed in the home he built for himself and showcases his extensive collection of Southeast Asian antiques and art. The museum displays this collection and introduces the history of Thai silk production through live demonstrations.
4. River City Bangkok
What to visit: Art, antiques, and shops
Location: 23 Charoen Krung 24 alley, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Price: Free admission
This contemporary riverside exhibition hall quickly gained fame when it opened in 1984, with crowds flocking to see works by Andy Warhol and original works by masters such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Gauguin. Since then, its halls have become venues for international rotating exhibitions, displaying photographs, paintings, fashion, films, and even a Broadway play. And because of its riverside location, you can get here by boat, with ferries to several piers just outside the building.
5. Doc Club & Pub
What to visit: Indie cinema and café
Location: 2nd floor, Woof Pack Building, Sala Daeng 1 alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Price: 150 THB/5 USD per ticket
After this beloved Bangkok cinema closed during the pandemic, film distributors announced that they would take over and continue its legacy as a tribute to Bangkok's creative community, where independent local cultural values are cherished. Despite the name, Doc Club & Pub actually screens films of all genres - although it focuses on independent films, such as the Japanese film Drive My Car, the Danish animated film Flee, and the Norwegian film Worst Person in the World. The cinema has a capacity of 52 seats, so remember to book in advance. If you're feeling hungry, you'll find snacks, light meals, and drinks, along with refreshing cocktails and craft beers served at the café, and it's not far from some of Bangkok's best bars.
6. The Jam Factory
What to visit: Exhibition space, homeware, and dining space
Location: 41/1-5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok? Take a ferry across the river to the west bank and experience a quieter side of the city. When you arrive at Khlong San Pier, you'll be greeted by lush green lawns and a converted factory designed by architect Duangrit Bunnag. The Jam Factory is not only his office but also a gallery, furniture showroom, restaurant, café, and bookstore all rolled into one. Since opening in 2014, it has become a popular riverside retreat. On weekends, the spacious gardens welcome crowds to participate in outdoor events like music festivals, street art performances, and book fairs. If you love thriftiness and vintage items, mark your calendar for The Knack Market, a monthly flea market held here.
7. MOCA Bangkok
What to visit: contemporary art museum
Location: 499, Kampaengpetch Road 6, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Price: 250 THB/8 USD
MOCA Bangkok is considered one of Bangkok's best galleries. Asia's largest contemporary art museum is home to more than 800 works of art, many of which are from the personal collection of telecommunications tycoon Boonchai Bencharongkul. Some of the gallery's precious works include works by famous Thai artists such as Thawan Duchanee, Chelermchai Kositpipat and Prateep Kochabua. Establishing itself as a world leader in modern art, the gallery recently added augmented reality installations, skateboard ramps and even a pink ice rink to its Valentine's Day. In short, there's a lot to see in Moca – and that's great, too, because it makes the long trip from the city center worth it.
8. Museum Siam
Public museum. Located in a three-story neoclassical villa.
Location: 4, Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Price: 100 THB/3 USD for Thai adults, 200 THB/6 USD for international adults
What do instant noodles and the throne have in common? Both are important parts of Thai culture, which you can learn about in the Siam Museum's current Thailand Decoded exhibition. The temporary show will introduce you to other important Thai items, such as costumes, charms, lotteries and more. It is a prime example of the museum's purpose of promoting popular culture.