Check Out the National Gallery

Posted by Sukhumwit Steve on January 28th, 2011 filed in Sightseeing

The National Gallery enjoys a prime location between Khao San Road and the Grand Palace. However, it is often looked by visitors as they make this familiar walk between the backpacker’s paradise of Khao San and the national treasure that is the Grand Palace. Anyone who is interested in exploring the Thai culture throughout its arts should take the time to visit the National Gallery in Bangkok.

The building itself is a piece of history, as it was built during the time of King Rama V back in 1902. Originally the building served as a mint, but these days it is full of exquisite pieces of art work and sculptures.

The gallery boasts an amazing range of traditional Thai paintings, which are generally religious in nature and depict the Lord Budda standing, sitting, and lying down in different positions. Some of these paintings hold greet religious significance in Thailand, so taking the chance to see them is an absolute must for anyone interested in art and culture. Some of these paintings that you will see at the National Gallery date back to the 16th century.

If you’d like to see something more modern then the National Gallery will also be of interest to you. Contemporary Thai art tends to be harder to find, so it is a real treat to see so many wonderful pieces of art by modern Thai artists all under one roof.

The National Gallery is open every day except for Monday. Entrance is a steal at 30 baht per person.