Museums and galleries in Bangkok

69 museums and galleries in Bangkok, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 69.

SeeDusit
Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall
SUPPORT Museum
Built in 1904, this beautiful hall used to be used for royal meetings and banquets. Its exterior is unique as it is clearly a mix of Victorian and Islamic influences. Home to the largest part of HM Queen Sirikit's SUPPORT Museum, it exhibits a collection of handicraft masterpieces created by skillful people from the countryside. Some of the items on display are handbags, baskets, pots, jewellery, figurines, and silk, all created using traditional techniques. HM Queen Sirikit set up this foundation to preserve and revitalise these traditional Thai handicrafts and techniques, as demand for them has significantly decreased in modern Thai society.
SeePratunam
Bangkok Dolls Museum
บ้านบางกอกดอลส์และตุ๊กตานานาชาติ
This museum was established by Khunying Tongkorn Chandavimol in 1956 after completing a course on doll making at the Osawa Doll School in Tokyo. Her intention with this project was to establish a workshop where hand-made dolls could be created using local materials, and to establish a museum that would promote the Thai doll industry. A part of the workshop is devoted to a private collection of about 400 dolls from around the world. These can be grouped in several categories, including Khon dolls, hill tribe dolls, Thai rural dolls and Khon mask miniatures. Dolls are sold at reasonable prices. Visiting takes you to a very local community slumbering between elevated expressways.
Mon-Sat 08:00-17:00Free
SeeThonburi
Bangkok Noi Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์เขตบางกอกน้อย
This museum is about the history of Bangkok Noi and of the village of "Bangkok" that used to be located here. Bangkok Noi was an important trading centre in the Ayutthaya Period, and briefly the capital of Siam in the Thonburi Period. The Rattanakosin Period has also been covered, when most of Bangkok Noi consisted of fruit orchards. Many people worked as craftsmen, including those making bronze bowls. These fruits and bowls are on display in the museum. Over time, Thonburi became more urbanised, but here you can still see what it used to be like.
Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00Free
SeeSilom
Bangkokian Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์ชาวบางกอก
This typical wooden Thai-style family house was built in 1937 and originally was the home of the Suravadee family. It was converted into a museum that gives an insight into the lifestyles of middle-class Bangkokians during World War II and the 1950s. On display are antiques, household items, a kitchen, sanitation and toilet facilities used during the war. Part of museum is devoted to maintaining the history of Bang Rak and Silom, showing the farms, canals and windmills that used to be characteristic for this area.
Wed-Sun 10:00-17:00Free
SeePhahonyothin
Children's Discovery Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์เด็ก
Discovery and interactive museums are the new hype in Bangkok, and this Children's Museum is no exception. The construction was completed in 2001 and completed in time to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. It is a large complex with eight galleries with 123 exhibits and activities, spread over three buildings and one outdoor space. The goal is to learn children in a fun way about human life, science, culture, society, nature and the environment, and there is an exhibition in honor of HM Queen Sirikit. While mostly catering to Thai families, foreigners can bring their children as well.
Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-19:0050-70 baht
SeeRattanakosin
Corrections Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์ราชทัณฑ์
This used to be the location of the Bangkok Remand Prison, an old and overcrowded prison. Most of it has been torn down and turned into a public park, but three blocks, a cellblock, a side of the prison wall and two watchtowers were preserved and turned into a museum. This museum displays some of the most sadistic punishments imaginable, and these were actually carried out to offenders not that long ago. The museum can only be visited after making an appointment, but some punishment instruments can be seen from the public park outside, so you don't necessarily need to enter the museum.
Mon-Fri 08:30-16:30, Sat Sun hols closed, only on appointmentFree
SeeRattanakosin
Front Palace
วังหน้า Wang Na
Now the central building of the National Museum, the Front Palace used to be an enormous complex stretching from the Chao Phraya River across Sanam Luang to Lot Canal. It was built in the 18th-century, along with the Grand Palace. The Front Palace housed the heir to the throne, who was appointed by the King; usually a son or brother of the reigning monarch who bare the title "Second King" or "Vice-King". The title of Second King started in the Ayutthaya Period, but gained a significant amount of power during the Rattanakosin Period when the Second King even got its own private army and navy. This large amount of power often led to conflicts between the King and the Second King. The last to bare the title of Second King was Prince Vichaichan. In 1884, he got into a power struggle with King Rama V in an event known as the Front Palace crisis. King Rama V tried to modernise Siam in a rapid pace, and conservative forces and the nobility, including Prince Vichaichan, saw their power and influence being slowly eroded. When Prince Vichaichan got a letter threatening his life, he mobilised up to 600 of his private troops around his palace. The King also mobilised his troops, but this only underlined that the Second King's guards were more numerous and better equipped. After an explosion, a mysterious fire broke out in the Grand Palace, threatening Wat Phra Kaeo, and the Second King's troops got on their way to the Grand Palace to try to extinguish it; however this was blocked by the King's Royal Guards who feared that the fire was orchestrated by the Second King to take over the country. Afterwards King Rama V criticised the Second King for not moving all his troops to the Grand Palace, as an ancient custom dictated that the Second King's troops must actively protect the King and the Grand Palace in an emergency. King Rama V ordered his troops to surround the Front Palace, and Prince Vichaichan fled to the British embassy. After mediation, the powerful Western countries sup
Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00, closed on holidays200 baht
SeeSukhumvit
Green Lantern Cafe and Sex Museum
A coffee shop with a Museum of Sex, devoted to the history of eroticism and the sex industry in Thailand. The proprietor's father, a wealthy property developer, has a larger sex museum, Kamavijitra, on Sukhumvit Soi 38.
SeeThonburi
House of Museums
บ้านพิพิธภัณฑ์
The exhibition features a collection of old and modern items that were used every day by both townspeople and villagers. Items such as toys, books, stationery and kitchen and household utensils throughout the years are on display, forming a legacy of the past to be inherited by the present. The modern 3½-storey building of 3 chambers covers an area of 232 m². The first floor shows an old atmosphere of shop houses that date from before 1957, including a cafe, pharmacy, barber shop, and others. There are also rooms with changing exhibitions and various topics.
Sat-Sun 10:00-17:0030 baht
SeeSukhumvit
Kamavijitra: The Art of Lovemaking
Museum of Thai Eroticism
According to its website: "Massive collections of Siam erotic art that will blow your eyes." Make reservation one day in advance. The founder's son has a more modest exhibition at his Green Lantern Cafe on Soi 55.
Mon-Fri, 10:00-18:00500 baht
SeeSilom
Kathmandu Photo Gallery
Housed in an old (but beautifully restored) Portuguese shophouse, this is probably the only gallery in Bangkok totally devoted to the art of photography. Its owner, photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom, tried to resemble the photographers' shops of old, where visitors walked in and carefully chose one of the prints on sale. The gallery on the ground floor is all about the work of the owner, while the (tiny) upper floor has changing exhibitions. There's also a book corner for those more interested in photography.
Tue-Sun 11:00-19:00Free
BuyThonburi
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
ตลาดน้ำคลองลัดมะยม
This is a major attraction, with a pleasant and shaded atmosphere. The floating market corresponds to both sides of the Lat Mayom canal on Bang Ramat Road. This floating market dates from 2004, and is not frequently visited by boats. However, it does have many shop stalls, a small boat museum, several walking paths around the market, small toilet, a few outdoor restaurants and a variety of foods and merchandise for sale. Occasionally, it does feature live outdoor performances by local children or organisations. It is only open on weekends and easily accessible (and used as a prolonged stopover) on some tourist tour boats from Taling Chan Floating Market.
Sat Sun hols 09:30-16:00
SeeRattanakosin
King Prajadhipok Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์พระบาทสมเด็จพระปกเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว
The building is designed by the French-Swiss architect Charles Beguelin in 1906 in a neo-classical style that popular with King Rama VI and King Rama VII. It was renovated by the King Prajadhipok Institute to serve as a museum exhibiting a rare collection of King Rama VII's personal belongings, including photographs, documents and his biography. King Rama VII ruled in a turbulent time of Thailand's history; he was the last King who enjoyed absolute monarchy, as well as the first King under a constitutional monarchy. Significant events and stories relating to King Rama VII are exhibited, including his succession to the throne, royal activities, political reform, promulgation of the constitution, royal utensils and memorabilia, as well as his life after abdication and death in the United Kingdom. The demolished Sala Chaloem Krung Theatre that used to stand in the nearby area is imitated with old films being projected.
Tue-Sun, hols, 09:00-16:0040 baht
SeeSiam Square
Madame Tussaud's
พิพิธภัณฑ์หุ่นขี้ผึ้งมาดามทุสโซ
A branch of the popular museum displaying waxworks of famous people. It features life-sized statues of HRH Prince Mahitala Thibed Adulyadej Vikrom Phra Baroma Rajajanok (The Prince Father), HRH Princess Srinagarindra (The Princess Mother) and other famous Thais. But there are also plenty of Western figures, including US president Barack Obama in the Oval Office and the English football player Steven Gerrard.
10:00-22:00 dailyForeigners have to pay a hefty 900 baht entrance fee; it's 350 baht for Thais
SeePhahonyothin
Museum of Contemporary Art
พิพิฒภัณฑ์ศิลปะไทยร่วมสมัย
Five floors house a collection of hundreds of pieces of painting and sculpture illustrating the development of Thai art since Western art concepts were introduced. There are also special collections on European Victorian era painters as well as Chinese and Japanese artwork.
Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00180 baht
SeeRattanakosin
Museum of Siam
มิวเซียมสยาม
The renovated European-style mansion of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand has been turned in good use. It now is the Museum of Siam, a permanent exhibition about the history of the Thai nation, its culture and its interaction with other nations and cultures. As with all the new museums in town, it's a so-called "discovery museum", in which visitors can play and interact with the objects shown. It is a lot fun, for children and adults alike, and informative at a superficial level. First you watch a subtitled short film about Thai-foreign interaction, with some Thai inside jokes about foreigners. Then you'll walk through several historically-themed rooms, starting in prehistory and ending in the modern age. Make sure your camera is charged and its memory unit empty, as there are many photo opportunities. You can sit in a tuk-tuk, prepare fake Thai food, bomb medieval armies, wear colonial-age clothing, present a news programme and sit in a 50s-style diner.
Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00300 baht for foreigners, free entry 16:00-18:00
SeeRattanakosin
National Gallery
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ หอศิลป
Housed in the former Royal Thai Mint, it is fairly small and compact. Obviously a matter of taste, the permanent displays could be described as quite unimpressive, but the ever-changing modern art exhibitions can be considerably more appealing for foreigners. Oil paintings by the King are also exhibited here.
Wed-Sun 09:00-16:00, hols closed30 baht
SeeRattanakosin
National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พระนคร
The National Museum took over the Front Palace grounds, a former royal palace built in the 18th century just like the Grand Palace. The grounds are attractive in parts, but a bit sprawling and difficult to navigate. The permanent exhibits are a mixed bag — there are some terrific new displays and dioramas on Thai history, but many other buildings are dusty collections of artifacts without much by way of explanation. A good way to cope with this is by taking the free guided tour in English (and German, French, Japanese), held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 09:30. Allow a full afternoon to see this one as it is fairly large.
Wed-Sun 08:30-16:00, hols closedThais 30 baht; foreigners 200 baht
SeeSilom
Neilson Hays Library and Galleries
ห้องสมุดเนียลสัน เฮส์
A beautiful European-style building from the late 19th century with a library, two art galleries, creative workshops and a café. The library has the largest collection of English language books in Bangkok, catering to the many English-speaking expats in the area. The art galleries have paintings, photos, textiles and ceramics on show depending on the exhibition, and many artworks are available for sale. The café (09:00-18:00 daily) has free Wi-Fi.
Tue-Sun 09:30-17:00Entry 50 baht
BuySilom
O.P. Place
This luxury neo-classical building is a great starting point for your antiques hunt through Silom. There are many floors with different shops selling antiques, carpets, decorations, handicrafts, jewellery, paintings, silk and many other cultural objects. The third floor is an arts and crafts gallery. The whole mall has a high-class atmosphere, so expect truly expensive objects on sale.
Daily 10:30-18:30
SeeKhao San Road
October 14 Memorial
อนุสรณ์สถาน 14 ตุลา
14 October 1973 is one of the most important dates in modern Thai history. Millions of pro-democracy protesters gathered at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road against the military dictatorship of Thanom Kittikachorn. The junta attacked the masses with snipers from rooftops killing dozens of civilians. Eventually the regime was toppled and Thailand became a constitutional monarchy. This memorial commemorates those who died that day, as well as those that died at similar protests in 1976 and 1992. You can read more about this hectic period in Thai history in the small museum.
Free
SeePhahonyothin
Philatelic Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์และห้องสมุดตราไปรษณียากร
This museum displays the history of the Thai postal service and the development of Thai stamps throughout history. The first Thai stamps were issued during the reign of King Rama V in the late nineteenth-century. Also on display are stamps from other countries that are a member of the Universal Postal Union. There is a library with books about stamps, and you can buy stamps at the ground floor of the building. Next to the museum is a room that looks and acts like a post office of the past. In front of the building you'll find Thai and foreign postal boxes from various periods.
Wed–Sun 08:30-16:30Free
SeeThonburi
Princess Mother Memorial Park
อุทยานเฉลิมพระเกียรติสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทราบรมราชชนนี
This beautiful park is built near the Wat Anongkharam community where Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, HRH the Princess Mother (the mother of King Rama IX) had resided during her childhood. The park comprises a full scale model of the Princess Mother's house. The old buildings were renovated as exhibition halls, displaying the life story of HRH the Princess Mother and the history of the Wat Anongkharam community that lives here.
garden 06:00-18:00 daily, museum 08:30-16:30 daily, hols closed
SeeSiam Square
Queen Savang Vadhana Museum
มูลนิธิสมเด็จพระพันวัสสาอัยยิกาเจ้า
The Sra Pathum Palace is an oasis of silence right behind Siam Paragon. It has been the permanent residence of HM Queen Savang Vadhana from 1916 till 1955, and HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra has also lived here. When HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra passed away, it became the residence of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. She turned one building into a museum that honours the Queen Grandmother and shows her contributions to Thai society. The museum starts in the exhibition hall, that shows HM Queen Savang Vadhana's biography, and then moves to her residence, the Phra Tamnak Yai building. Make a reservation in advance and request an English-speaking guide (at no extra cost).
Fri Sat 10:00-16:00150 baht
SeeRattanakosin
Rommaninat Park
สวนรมณีนาถ
This public park is built on the old prison grounds of the Bangkok Remand Prison near Wat Suthat. Three blocks, a cellblock, a side of the prison wall and two watchtowers were preserved and turned into a museum, the Corrections Museum, which is at the southeastern corner of the park. The park features many fountains, some basketball courts, a playground and a weight lifting area.
05:00-20:00 dailyFree
SeeThonburi
Royal Barge National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติเรือพระราชพิธี
On the mouth of the Bangkok Noi canal, this museum displays several Royal Barges used for state ceremonies on the Chao Phraya River. The ornately carved barges take the form of famous mythical creatures from the Ramayana epic. The most impressive is the Suphannahongse (or Golden Swan), which was built in 1911 during the reign of King Rama IV. This 46-metre craft was carved from a single piece of teakwood. The bow resembles a mythical swan and is adorned with gold lacquer and glass jewels. Most visit this museum as part of a canal tour, but it can also be visited on foot.
09:00-17:00 daily
SeePhahonyothin
Royal Thai Air Force Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์กองทัพอากาศ
An oddball collection of planes and helicopters ranging from WW1 era biplanes to a JAS Gripen jet fighter with some being the last of their kind. You can get inside some exhibits. English signage has improved over the years and now narrates also RTAF history. There is a gift shop and a canteen serving very cheap Thai food.
Daily 09:00-16:00Free
SeeYaowarat and Phahurat
Samphanthawong Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์ท้องถิ่นกรุงเทพมหานคร
This community museum is dedicated to the early Chinese immigrants in Bangkok. Pictures and text in Thai and English give the visitor an overview of the history of this ethnic group and their lives and contributions to Yaowarat (part of which is also called Samphanthawong District). There are pictures to see what Sampheng Lane was like about one hundred years ago. An interesting museum if you want to get a deeper understanding of the area.
Mon-Fri 08:00-16:00Free
SeeRattanakosin
Silpa Bhirasri National Museum
พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ศิลป์ พีระศรี
This museum is dedicated to the "father of modern art" of Thailand, the Italian professor Corrado Feroci. He founded Silpakorn University, the best art and humanities school of Thailand. Many of his works are on display throughout the city, including the Democracy Monument and the statues of King Taksin, King Rama I and King Rama VI. This museum is in the building where he lived and made his designs.
Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00Free
SeeThonburi
Siriraj Museums
These museums are old and dusty with many of them missing English signs. Most of the visitors are Thai students, who have to visit them for their studies, but some foreigners like to see them as well. The Forensic Medicine Museum is the most popular one for its collection of medical oddities similar to the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. There are many other museums inside the complex, including the Congdon Anatomical Museum, Sood Sangvichien Prehistoric Museum, Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum, Parasitology Museum, Ellis Pathological Museum and the Veekit Veeranuvati Museum on traditional Thai medicine. While much of the collection is not for individuals with a weak stomach or a faint heart, there's a lot to learn or at least be emotionally affected by.
Mon-Sat 09:00-16:0040 baht
SeePratunam
Suan Pakkad Palace
วังสวนผักกาด
This complex of five Thai-style houses was once the residence of one of Thailand's leading art collectors, Prince Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga. It houses an extensive collection of Asian art and antiques, including items from the prehistoric Ban Chiang civilization, and an impressive collection of sea-shells. The Khon Museum, about the traditional Thai masked dance, and the Traditional Thai Music Museum have also been established here. Sometimes known as the "Lettuce Farm Palace" in English after a too-literal translation of the name.
09:00-16:00 daily100 baht
SeeThonburi
Sunthorn Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์สุนทร
This is a private museum operated by Mr Sunthorn Chunothaisawat. It houses antiques such as BMW Motorcycles from the interwar period, clocks, lamps, children toys made out of zinc, radios, irons, typewriters, fans and sewing machines. All are well-maintained and in a good condition.
Sat 11:00-17:00200 baht
EatThonburi
Supatra River House
สุภัทรา ริเวอร์ เฮ้าส์
This luxurious restaurant is in the traditional Thai residence of Khunying Supatra Singholaga, a successful businesswoman who started the express boat service in Bangkok and a leading figure in women's rights. There is a small museum dedicated to her art collection inside the building. On the menu are Thai and seafood dishes, so you might want to try the fried river prawn with tamarind sauce. There is a great view of the Chao Phraya River, especially at night when the Grand Palace is beautifully lit. Thai dance shows are given on Saturday nights at 20:30. Make a reservation beforehand.
11:30-14:30, 18:00-22:30 daily1,000-2,000 baht
SeeYaowarat and Phahurat
Tang To Kang Gold Shop
พิพิธภัณฑ์ทองคำห้างทองตั้งโต๊ะกัง
Chinatown is one of Bangkok's oldest districts and about 14% of the buildings have been designated as historical landmarks. Tang To Kang is one of them, an interesting colonial-style building and actually the oldest gold shop of Bangkok (which is difficult to believe now with so many gold shops scattered over the district). If you want to see the gold museum, you have to make an appointment two days ahead.
Mon-Sat 09:30-16:00Free
SeeRattanakosin
Tha Phra Palace
วังท่าพระ
Just outside of the Grand Palace, Wang Tha Phra Palace is now a part of Silpakorn University, where many artists started their career in the arts and humanities. In August 2010, Tha Phra Palace celebrated its 200th anniversary since its founding, and many home-grown artists were invited to make a painting about it. King Rama I built the palace for his nephew Prince Kasattiyanuchit, and since then, it has been a residence of many high-ranked princes, including King Rama III who lived here when he still was still known as Prince Krommuen Jesadabodin. The last prince to live here was Prince Naris, who moved out in 1934 when the palace was turned into an art school. The palace is a combination of Thai and European-style buildings. Just walking around the campus is a fun activity, as usually there are some art projects by students going on. 50 baht gets you into the library, which has plenty of English-language books about the Grand Palace, art, culture, religion, architecture and travel. Also in the Wang Tha Phra compound are the Silpa Bhirasri National Museum and the Art Centre Silpakorn University.
09:00-19:00 dailyFree
SeePratunam
Thai Labour Museum
พิพิธภัณฑ์แรงงานไทย
This museum is located at the former office of the labour union of the State Railway of Thailand. On display are items showing the 300-year history of the Thai labour movement. There is also a library with books and research reports on labour. You must call in advance if you plan on visiting with a group.
Wed-Sun hols 10:00-16:30Free
SeeRatchadaphisek
Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall
หอไทยนิทัศน์
Displays the history of the Thai people and aspects of Thai culture, evolving from pre-history up to the present day. It mostly focuses on the struggles of the Thai people to stay independent. The exhibition is divided into five topics covering the history of Thai culture, important archaeological sites in Thailand, world civilization, the origins of the Thais, and Thai language and literature. The information is told in a presentation using computer generated imagery, photography, slide-presentations and even puppets.
Mon-Fri 09:30-16:30Free
SeeRattanakosin
The Queen's Gallery
หอศิลป์สมเด็จพระนางเจาสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ
This privately funded gallery was established after the request of HM Queen Sirikit who wanted a permanent venue for the exhibition of Thai arts. The gallery has four floors of contemporary and modern arts, including paintings, sculptures, audiovisual arts and even furniture arts, most of them created by students. Many paintings use elements of traditional Thai life and religion and place them in a contemporary setting. Taking pictures without using the flash is allowed. There is also a reading room and a café.
Thu-Tue 10:00-19:0020 baht
SeeThonburi
Wat Prayoon
วัดประยุรวงศ์
This temple is close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The first thing you see is its large white chedi in Ayutthayan style; it is the only chedi of this style in Bangkok. King Rama II tried to create a similar chedi at the Golden Mount, but the ground could not support it and it collapsed. If you want a nice nightly picture of the chedi, walk on the Memorial Bridge at dusk when it is beautifully illuminated. However, most visitors come for the Khao Mor Cemetery, a large mound at the entrance of the temple. The mound is covered with many different shrines, chedis, spirit houses and even a doll house. There's a lot to take in, but it's certainly a fun walk. The shallow pool has some turtles swimming around, which you can feed with food bought from the stalls outside. Another attraction is the small two-room museum with Khon masks, papier-mache pigs and other cultural objects.
09:00-16:30 daily30 baht
SeeRattanakosin
Wat Thep Thida Ram
วัดเทพธิดาราม
The temple was built in 1836, during the reign of King Rama III. Like other temples from the third reign, it has a Thai layout, but is combined with a mixture of Chinese architectural styles. The gables are decorated with Chinese porcelain pieces and there are Chinese statues all over the complex. Unfortunately, the temple is in desperate need of renovation. Sunthon Phu, one of Thailand's greatest poets, resided in this temple during his monkhood in the early 1840s. The quarters where he spent three years of his life are preserved at the rear of the compound, and might be turned into a museum. In 1986, UNESCO declared Sunthon Phu one of the world's greatest poets.
08:00-17:00 dailyFree

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bangkok (CC BY-SA 4.0).