Bangkok
National Museum, the foremost museum on Thai history and culture, is
considered the largest in South-East Asia. It houses a vast collection of
objects including prehistoric art, murals and royal regalia. Visit to the
museum can be a memorable experience to anyone, specially for the lovers of
history.The Museum
Main attractions of the world-acclaimed Bangkok National Museum are given below:
The Halls
The museum has several halls which are used for showcasing artefacts on different subjects. The design of the halls is helpful in making the visitors feel comfortable. The halls are dedicated to subjects like armaments, clothing, musical instruments, palanquins, khon masks etc. Throne Hall, which is the frontmost, is used for special exhibitions.
All styles and periods of Thai as well as Buddhist art are represented in the museum. The museum has praisable collection of ceramics, period sculptures, mural paintings and other decorative arts.
Gallery of Thai History
The gallery takes you back to prehistoric Thailand. Then journeying through kingdoms like Lanna, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, you come to modern Thailand. The gallery is definitely an easy and fascinating way to learn about Thailand.
Phra Sing Buddha Images
Phra
Sing Buddha image, one of the most important artefacts in the museum, is in
the private chapel, which has some of best surviving mural paintings from
the 18th century. Interestingly, the object which holds the image occupies the center of the wiharn. The image, in the posture of meditation, is a priceless asset of the chapel. Behind the wiharn are storage cases which hold the scriptures.
Ceremonial Chariots
North of the museum is a building sheltering the gigantic well-carved chariots, used exclusively for royal cremations. One of them is magnificent 40-ton Vejayant Rajarot, an intriguing object for all the visitors. Hundreds of soldiers were employed to pull the chariots. The chariots were last used for Princess Mother's funeral in 1996.
Red House
Tamnak Daeng or the Red House is a airy teak house. Originally, in the late 18th century, it was built within the embrace of the Grand Palace for a sister of King Rama I. But his successors moved it first to Thonburi Palace and then to Wang Na Palace.
The Pavilion
A beautiful museum brought from another palace is situated between the Red House and the museum. It's two peculiar features are: delicate fretwork in moorish design and a conventional Thai-style roof.
Establishment
The museum was established in 1887.
Concise History
The museum was first set by King Rama V in the Wang Na palace, with the collectibles of his father King Rama IV (Mongkut). For a long time, the museum seemed like an eclectic assemblage from Thai history. Then it was given a new look with professional management and presentation.
How To Reach
The museum is located on Na Phrathat Road next to the Sanam Luang, at a stone's throw away from Wat Phra Kaew. You can avail of taxi and bus services to reach the destination. Another way is through river. Alight at Chang Pier and Banglampoo Pier.
Address
Na Phrathat Road
Bangkok
