Bangkok National Museum

Bangkok National Museum is a national museum in the Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang district with objects from prehistoric times to the present day. The collection is spread across several pavilions and galleries that present different eras and art forms of the kingdom.

King Chulalongkorn founded the institution in 1874 to preserve royal treasures and ceremonial items. Over the course of the twentieth century the collection was expanded and opened to the public.

The name recalls its founding as a royal collection and the building itself is a former palace from the late eighteenth century. Visitors today see ceremonial robes in gold and silk, religious manuscripts on palm leaves, and elaborate wood carvings.

The museum sits near the Grand Palace and opens from Wednesday to Sunday between 9 AM and 4 PM. Guided tours are offered in several languages and help with orientation across the different galleries.

Three main buildings divide the collection by theme: one gallery for the history of the country, one for archaeology, and one for decorative arts and folk art. Each building follows its own route with different atmosphere and layout.

Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang

Inception: 1874

Part of: National Museums of Thailand

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 09:00-16:00; Holidays off

Website: https://tourismthailand.org/Attraction/national-museum

GPS coordinates: 13.75783,100.49231

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:40