Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles: royal silk at the Grand Palace, Bangkok

Updated on October 1, 2026

The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles occupies the Ratsadakorn-bhibhathana Building, inside the [Grand Palace](/fr/attractions/grand-palais-bangkok) compound. This Italianate building, erected in 1870 under King Rama V, housed the Ministry of Finance until Queen Sirikit asked in 2003 to turn it into a museum devoted to Thai textiles. Renovated from top to bottom, it keeps its original façade and now holds galleries, a library and the country's first textile conservation laboratory. The museum is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm, last admission 3:30pm, and entry is included in the Grand Palace ticket (prices checked in October 2026). Allow about an hour. It makes a welcome indoor break after visiting Wat Phra Kaew, and a good introduction to Thai silk before [Jim Thompson House](/fr/attractions/maison-jim-thompson).

Highlights

The eight Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom

In 1960, before accompanying King Bhumibol on state visits to Europe and the United States, Queen Sirikit had the costumes of the women of the Siamese court studied to create a national dress that was both traditional and modern. The exhibition "Chud Thai: Dressing the Nation in Heritage" presents the eight styles that came out of it, from Ruean Ton to Chakraphat, which became the national costume for women.

Royal Court Textiles of Siam

In galleries 3 and 4, until 30 April 2027, this exhibition shows the coronation outfits of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019, the white ceremonial cloth worn by King Bhumibol at his own coronation, and court textiles (yia rabap, khem khab, attalat, sompak poom) never displayed before.

The Ratsadakorn-bhibhathana Building

With its white façade and rotunda, this former ministry from the reign of Rama V contrasts with the golden roofs of the neighbouring temples. Look out too for the interior architectural details, preserved during the renovation.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Entry is included in the Grand Palace ticket (500 baht for foreign visitors). The museum also lists its own prices: 150 baht for adults, 80 baht for over-65s, 50 baht for students with ID, free for under-12s (prices checked in October 2026). Some exhibitions and activities may carry a separate charge. Photography is not allowed in the galleries, nor are food and drink; backpacks, umbrellas and large strollers must be checked. A coffee bar is located near the museum shop. The museum is wheelchair accessible (ask at the information desk). The Grand Palace dress code applies: shoulders and legs covered.

How to get there

Ratsadakorn-bhibhathana Building, Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon, 10200 Bangkok. Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Chang Pier (N9), then enter the Grand Palace through the Mani Noppharat Gate. MRT Blue Line, Sanam Chai station (exit 1), then bus 3, 9, 44, 47, 53 or 82. The museum is inside the palace compound.