Museums
are very useful if one wants to gain insight into history of any place. They
help to properly understand how a particular place was in the past, how it
deveoloped and reached it's current phase. Chiang Mai City Arts &
Cultural Center also takes the visitor on an engaging journey in the past.
It's the best place to visit if one is inclined to get proper understanding
of Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas.The Multimedia Exhibition
The center has a modern air-conditioned room where the visitors are shown an English sub-titled orientation video about Chiang Mai. The show will help the visitor to understand better the history, arts and culture of the province. And not to mention, one would be more than eager to watch other assets of the museum.
The Museum
One can amble through rooms providing full-fledged account of the region's history and culture in chronological order. History is covered in detail, from the earliest human settlements to the modern city. First comes the pre-Muang period (7,000-12,000 years ago), then early river bank civilisations, next are the early kings. Flashlight is thrown on the wars with the Burmese, then comes the last dynasty. Even Chiang Mai of today and it's plans for the future are also shared.
Some
rooms are dedicated to Buddhism and regional sects, hill tribes, regional
cultures, development of agriculture etc. One room showcases samples of work
by Chiang Mai artists. The center makes every effort to drive home it's point to the tourists. The tools include video, enlarged photos, models, murals and text information in English and Thai.
Three Kings Monument
The Three Kings Monument, situated right in front of the building, commemorates the three kings of the thirteenth century. The kings selected the site for the 'new city' of Chiang Mai. The kings, who decided issues on the basis of ancient wisdom, intuitions of animals and signs from the zodiac, found the sight auspicious.
How To Reach
The center is situated in the old city on Prapokklao Road. Travelling by your own vehicle or songtheaw/tuk-tuk, ask for the Three Kings Monument (Saam Kasat). The center sits behind the monument.
Address
Prapokklao Road
Chiang Mai
