Museums in Thailand

Museums are depositories for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value. Museums house artefacts belonging to different eras of history can be preserved under a single roof, making it very easy for anyone to study them, and better understand the historical evolution. Thailand, a country of rich heritage, has several museums. The famous museums in Thailand are as follows:

Ancient city : It is located near Bangkok. It is billed as the largest outdoor museum in the world, the Ancient City reproduces important buildings from all over Thailand. It represents even those buildings which were in completely dilapidated state after centuries of wear and tear.

The national museum is one of the largest museums in Thailand and an excellent place to learn something about Thai Art. The Museum was initially established by King Rama V to exhibit the private collection of antiquities of his father King Rama IV. It was converted from ‘Wang Na’, a royal residence of a crown prince. In 1926, it was named the "Bangkok Museum" and subsequently developed into the National Museum Bangkok when it came under the direction of the department of fine arts in 1934.

Bang Sai Royal Arts and Crafts Centre: It is located in the Ayutthaya Province. The brainchild of the Thai Queen is designed to keep the traditional crafts alive. The foremost attraction is the 'museum shop' housed in modern version of a traditional Thai style pavilion. Behind the workshop are an aquarium and two aviaries. There is also a cluster of traditionally styled wooden houses, designed to represent the local architecture.

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre:It is located in the center of the old city. It is recommended to history lovers, particularly those who are interested in the history and culture of Chiang Mai as well as northern Thailand.

Housed in a large elegant white building, this is a fully modernized multimedia cultural centre. You are also shown an English-subtitled orientation video about Chiang Mai and the North in an air-conditioned room. Chiang Saen National Museum. It is located in Chiang Rai Province. Chiang Saen National Museum is a charming branch of the National Museum of Thailand, it displays excavated artefacts dating back to the earliest appearance of man in the area.

Erawan Museum:This museum is located in Samut Prakan Province. Contained within a large three-headed elephant sculpture, the museum houses late Khun Lek's priceless collection of ancient religious objects. The huge bronze sculpture stands on a base bedecked with millions of tiny tiles enameled in the fashion of Benjarong ceramics.

King Prajadhipok Museum:Located in Lampang Province. King Prajadhipok or Rama VII's reign marks the end of the absolute majority. This event makes his rule important and the museum is wholly devoted to him.

Nakorn See Thamarat National Museum:this is Located in the South Thailand. This branch of the National Museum is full of artefacts of long history of southern Thailand. Some objects of particular interest are seventh century Mon inscriptions, golden niello fittings from King Rama V's royal barge and ceramics from the Chinese Tang (518 - 907 AD) and Song (960 - 1274 AD) dynasties found in the province.

Songkhla National Museum:It is located in Songkhla Province. The lovely complex built in southern Thai Chinese architectural style houses objects from prehistoric to modern times, and several archaeological artefacts discovered locally. This is one of the museums in Thailand which is a nice place to visit for someone interested in architecture.

Suan Pakkad Palace Museum:Located in Bangkok. Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is an assortment of conventional Thai houses which was brought together by Prince and Princess Chumbhot in 1952. The combination of traditional architecture, vast array of collections and elegant gardens make the museum worth a visit.

Wat Gate Museum:This is located in Chiang Mai. The museum is an eclectic collection of artefacts culled from the Wat Gate Temple. Most enthralling exhibition is a collection of hundreds of old photographs dating back more than 100 years. It also houses old phonograph records and players as well as old Siamese 'white elephant flags'.

Thailand is one of Asia's most popular holiday destinations in the world and offers something for everyone. The museums in Thailand do make an interesting place to visit.The people here are known for their friendliness, smiles, charmingness, politeness and gracefulness. Thais also have an infectious sense of fun and humor. This country is known for its ancient culture and history. That is the reason why it attracts tourists in million every year.

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