Bangkok National Museum
Central Thailand Region
The Bangkok National Museum, located in the heart of Bangkok, is Thailand's premier national museum and one of Southeast Asia's largest. Established in 1874 by King Chulalongkorn to display the royal collections of his father King Mongkut, it occupies the historic former palace of the vice king, known as Wang Na. The museum presents extensive exhibits covering Thai history from Neolithic times through various significant periods including Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and the Bangkok era. Among its prized collections is the King Ram Khamhaeng Inscription, recognized by UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme for its cultural importance. The museum also houses a remarkable range of regional Asian Buddhist art, featuring pieces from Indian Gandhara, Chinese Tang, Vietnamese Cham, Indonesian Java, and Cambodian Khmer cultures. Recent renovations have modernized the exhibition halls with enhanced lighting and multimedia displays, enriching the visitor experience. Notably, the museum recently welcomed back the Golden Boy and Kneeling Lady bronze statues, repatriated from the United States after decades, symbolizing Thailand's efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage. This museum offers an unparalleled journey through Thailand's artistic and historical legacy within a grand royal setting.
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Astuce: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy quieter galleries. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the museum's official website for updated opening hours and any special exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Allocate sufficient time to explore the multiple galleries and appreciate the multimedia enhancements in the renovated halls.
Faits intéressants
- •The King Ram Khamhaeng Inscription displayed in the museum is registered in UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme since 2003.
- •The museum is housed in the former palace of the vice king, known as Wang Na, which was historically a significant royal residence.
- •The Golden Boy and Kneeling Lady bronze statues, dating back approximately 900 years, were repatriated to Thailand from the United States and unveiled at the museum in 2024.
- •The museum's collections include extensive regional Asian Buddhist art from cultures such as Indian Gandhara, Chinese Tang, and Cambodian Khmer.
- •The museum underwent a decade-long renovation from 2009 to 2019, enhancing its exhibition halls with modern lighting and multimedia displays.
Histoire
The Bangkok National Museum was founded in 1874 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) initially as the Concordia Museum inside the Grand Palace to display his father King Mongkut's royal collections.
In 1887, the museum was relocated to the former Front Palace (Wang Na), the residence of the vice king, and renamed the Wang Na Museum.
The vice king position was abolished by King Chulalongkorn, and the museum gradually expanded its role.
In 1926, it was called the Bangkok Museum and later developed into the Bangkok National Museum under the Fine Arts Department in 1934.
Over the decades, it has become one of Southeast Asia's largest museums, continuously improving its exhibitions and facilities.
Guide du lieu
Thai History Gallery
Located at the front of Siwamokhaphiman Hall, this gallery features the King Ram Khamhaeng Inscription and explores Thai origins and history from prehistoric times to the Bangkok period.
Prehistory Gallery
Situated at the rear of Siwamokhaphiman Hall, this gallery showcases Thailand's prehistoric cultures, illustrating the country's ancient human history.
Art History Gallery
Located in the North Wing Building, this gallery displays sculptures and artworks from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Lopburi periods through to the early Bangkok era, highlighting Thailand's artistic evolution.
Decorative Arts and Ethnological Collection
Displayed in the former central palace buildings, this collection includes royal and regional material culture such as gold and precious stones, mother of pearl inlay, royal insignia, textiles, ceramics, carved ivory, historic royal conveyances, weapons, and musical instruments.
The Golden Boy and Kneeling Lady Statues~1100 AD
These two bronze statues, about 900 years old, were repatriated from the United States and unveiled in the museum in 2024, symbolizing Thailand's successful efforts to recover looted cultural artifacts.
Contact
Téléphone: 02 224 1370