Art in Bangkok

Description:

Housing both traditional and contemporary Thai art, the National Gallery displays works by Thai artists from the 17th century onwards. The contemporary works are interesting in the way they demonstrate the impact of major Western schools, such as impressionism and cubism, on Thai art. The gallery has established itself as a favorite among serious art connoisseurs, while many casual visitors are left a little cold by some of the more idiosyncratic offerings. Many excellent temporary collections also grace the walls to general acclaim.

Description:

The Queens Gallery was so named as it was Her Majesty The Queen of Thailand Sirikit's wish and vision. It is put up to provide Thai artists a chance to showcase their skills, talent and even to promote Thai art to the world. You will see sculptures and paintings by Thai and international artists on display here. Regular exhibitions, events and art sales make up the busy schedule of this place. One can also get refreshments or simply relax at the in-house café. Pick up interesting souvenirs spanning t-shirts, postcards, posters and art items from renowned artists at the gift shop. Check website for more details.

Our Local Expert Says:

While some bars offer the shout to be heard experience, this friendly hideout is a bit more conversational and totally laid back without lacking style.

Description:

This is the alley less traveled. An appropriate Robert Frost quote is painted on the wall opposite the storefront of this cool cafe/bar tucked away just off hectic Sukhumvit Road. The menu shows some some good Thai dishes as well as tapas and other Western-style snacks. Pizzas are a bit smaller and cheaper than at most Italian joints but have a decent charred crust, slightly on the crackerish side. But many will come just to chill, chat with friends and listen to an eclectic mix of music. The drinks include a full bar, espresso machine, and wine list and prices are more affordable than most bars (most everything is well under 200 baht). Plus some of the creative concoctions are fun and worth trying out. A vodka drink with chocolate and a banana? Sherry and soda for your tapas? WTF Cafe offers something a little different from the rest of the scene but not in any contrived sort of way. A TV overlooks the room showing the occasional program or sporting event or basically anything else if you ask nicely. Two upper floors are dedicated gallery space for local artists and shows rotate often. And the name stands for Wonderful Thai Friendship. What did you think it meant?

Entering Soi 51... read more

Description:

Set on a busy corner in downtown Bangkok, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) features modern art exhibits on floors 7-9. The center of the building is an open atrium with arts and craft shops and simple coffee shops on each floor. It is a popular chilling-out spot for students. In addition to the shops and art are some meeting rooms, a library in the basement, and an auditorium that offers films and music and theatrical productions.

The BACC is across the Skytrain tracks from MBK shopping complex. Get off at National Stadium station. There's no shortage of bus options: buses 15, 16, 21, 25, 29, 34, 36, 40, 47, 48, 50, 54, 73,79, 93, 141, 159, 204, 508, 529 all pass by here. You can even take the Saen Saeb canal boat to Saphan Hua-Chang pier.

Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Free entry to the building but special events may require tickets.

Description:

A very peculiar place, this gallery gets its name from the location where its situated. 100 Tonson Gallery caters not only to painters but also to photographers and sculptors. Housed in a box-like enclosure and complete with glass interiors, the space is tranquil for browsing through the gallery. Frameworks of Thailand artists are displayed here and exhibitions are held periodically for showcasing the talents of emerging artists and current trends in visual arts. Recognized as one of the most fascinating galleries in the world, this gallery is a must-visit place for all art lovers. Various exhibits are showcased from time to time. Check website for more details.

Our Local Expert Says:

Not only does the art merit a visit, but the building itself, a 19th century colonial structure, is worth checking out too.

Description:

Housed in a restored teak house, this gallery displays contemporary Asian art. Opened in 2002, in a 19th century colonial building in downtown Bangkok, many Asian Artists showcase their works at H Gallery. Neat wooden floors, muted colored walls make the gallery brighter, and a nice place to study fabulous paintings. Regular exhibitions are held on varied subjects and themes. Artists like Zhang Enli, Masato Seto, Sopheap Pich and Han Zia Quan showcase their works here. Check website for further details.

Description:

Gallery Soulflower has the distinct identity of being the only Indian Art Gallery in Thailand. With its main aim being the promotion of Indian Art this gallery showcases works by some of the famous Indian artist. Of which are Achutan Kudallur, Arunkumar HB, M Kamath, Babu Xavier, Be Takerng Pattanopas, Benitha Perciyal, Biju Joze & Binoy Varghese. Various exhibitions on photography, paintings and sculptures are held around the year. Gallery Soulflower also does its bit for the society by making contributions to various charity organizations. Visitors can also purchase paintings and sculptures from here.

Description:

Many art connoisseurs complain about the impersonal, clinical feel of large galleries, with sprawling displays and exhibits. The delightful and classy Rotunda Gallery provides a refreshing alternative, hosting small exhibitions, with styles varying from traditional Thai folk art to contemporary Western. You could combine your visit with a browse in the excellent library, regardless of whether you are in Bangkok for research purposes or in search of Bangkok's literary set.

Description:

Prasart Museum is a centre for education and research for those interested in Thai antiquities. The museum houses a vast collection of antiques from the prehistoric to the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin eras. Various styles of Thai architecture are on display, including a replica of the Red Palace, housed in the National Museum. The garden contains several Sukhothai period terra cotta pieces, complimenting the setting of rare Thai and foreign plants. Admission is 300 Bahts per person.

Our Local Expert Says:

Surely the best collection of Buddhist art in Bangkok, and a contender in Southeast Asia in general.

Description:

In all of Bangkok you're not going to find the equal of this private collection of Buddhist art. Primarily made up of statues, the collection includes works of Dvaravati art from the 6th-11th centuries AD all the way into the modern period and separates them not just by time period but also cultural style. This means along with the Thai works are also Khmer and Burmese items. The signage is in English but the front desk may also have a guide on hand. Outside is a Chinese shrine to Guan Yin. Admission is 250 baht and during the weekdays you must make an appointment and only groups of three or more are accepted. Saturday from 10-5pm is the better bet with no minimum group size and no appointment necessary (though it's probably wise to call to be sure they're open). Closed Sunday.