Prasart Museum in Bangkok: a private collection of Thai art, visits by appointment
The Prasart Museum is a private museum of Thai art and architecture set in a large garden in Hua Mak, in eastern Bangkok (Soi Krungthep Kreetha 4). It was created by a collector, Khun Prasart Vongsakul, to keep old pieces in Thailand that were at risk of leaving the country. Several pavilions in Ayutthaya, Lanna and Lopburi styles hold Buddha images, woodwork, ceramics and the furnishings of an aristocratic home. You cannot just turn up: visits are by appointment, and the sources we read give hours and prices that do not quite agree (see the tips).
Highlights
The garden
The pavilions are spread through a garden planted with palms and rare trees, far from the bustle of the centre. This is the part of the visit where photos are allowed.
The old-style pavilions
According to the descriptions we read, there is a "red palace" with antiques from Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin, a Lanna pavilion for northern Buddha images, a Lopburi-style chapel, a teak library and a small shrine to Guanyin.
The European-style building
It shows the furniture and objects of a well-off Thai family, as well as Western art: a chance to see how Thai elites lived between two worlds.
Practical info
Tips
- Booking is compulsory, by phone or email, before you come; the number of slots per day is very limited. The sources we read give a Monday closure, morning or afternoon slots and a price of about 500 baht per person with a minimum of two people (so 1,000 baht for a solo visitor); hours differ from one source to another. Confirm hours, price and tour language when you book. No photos inside the buildings, allowed outdoors. Wear shoes that are easy to take off. Allow two to three hours for the guided visit followed by free time.
How to get there
Soi Krungthep Kreetha 4, Hua Mak, Bang Kapi, Bangkok. The museum is far from the metro: the easiest way is a taxi or a Grab from the centre (see Grab or taxi in Bangkok); plan your return, because cars are rare in the street.
Opening hours
Nearby
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