Located close to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) on Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin Island, the new Museum of Siam provides a comprehensive insight into the history of the Kingdom of Thailand, or Siam as it was previously known.
It would certainly be possible to consider a visit to the museum during a walking tour of the Rattanakosin Island area, which is also home to Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Tha Tien.
A child-friendly learning space
Children enjoy visiting the museum since it has been created with them in mind, featuring lots of fun and games, including kiosks with easily digestible chunks of information and knowledge in video format.
The exhibits, housed in 17 locations, are displayed and presented in such a way that it provides an enhanced, interactive learning environment. All presentations include both Thai and English language soundtracks.
The exhibition begins with a quick look at the history of the building itself. The three-storey, Renaissance-style building was once home to the ministry of commerce before being renovated and converted into a museum.
The next two halls prepare visitors for the overall experience by focusing on traits or definitions that over time have created a sense of ‘Thainess’ among the population. Once you’ve finished here, staff will guide you towards the third floor, which follows next chronologically in terms of the overall presentation.
Throughout your visit, you’ll notice members of staff positioned by each hall. They can all speak English and provide assistance if required.
The third floor takes visitors through early settlements in an area often referred to as Suvarnabhumi (‘Golden Kingdom’). Roughly speaking, the kingdom is thought to have extended east from southern Myanmar across the plains of what is now central Thailand through to Cambodia.
The exhibition takes visitors from the prehistoric era through to the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767), including examples of social and economic development. It also refers to religious beliefs and concepts, including animism, Buddhism, and the Hindu concept of Brahman.
Other areas focus on the rise of Ayutthaya as the country’s capital, when it became a hub for trade and a “melting pot” of cultures where east met west.
Another area features weaponry and looks at militaristic aspects of the rise and fall of Ayutthaya.
|
|
 City of Angels
On the second floor, the focus is Bangkok ‘yesterday, today, and tomorrow’.
This presentation begins by examining the establishment of the city, which was driven by a desire to bring back the art and architecture that had once thrived in the kingdom.
Another hall examines the changes that the country has been through over the centuries. For example, significant changes took place during the 19th century, driven by a strong tide of colonialism by the major world powers. Although the country remained independent, colonialism in the region brought about changes to the lives of many Thai people.
The exhibition also reminds visitors how capitalism and materialism have played an important role in shaping the lives of Thai people over the past century.
This part of the exhibition concludes by examining future challenges, which younger and new generations of Thais will have to rise to while trying to retain their unique Thainess.
Finally, visitors can browse through books and other souvenirs at the museum’s souvenir shop, or grab some refreshments from the small café nearby.
If you happen to be visiting the museum during the late afternoon or early evening, you could always take a stroll to Tha Tien and watch the sun set behind Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). There are also several nice places around there to sit down and enjoy a drink.
The Museum of Siam is located on Sanam Chai Road. Admission is free.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday during 10 am-6 pm.
Sometimes special outdoor activities are organized on Friday nights. For further information, visit the official museum website at http://www.ndmi.or.th, or call Tel: +66 (0)2 622 2599.
Transport connections:
Bus: Take local bus number 3, 6, 9, 12, 32, 44, 47, or 53 and get off by Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Walk in the direction that leads away from the Chao Phraya River, which will take you to Sanam Chai Road and the entrance to the museum.
Photos: Manager Online.
|
Art & Culture 
contact 
sitemap
advertise with us
