Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (Nitasrattanakosin): the story of Bangkok in a museum

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, or Nitasrattanakosin, is an interactive museum at 100 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, on the avenue that links the Grand Palace to the Democracy Monument. It tells the story of Bangkok's founding in 1782, life in the old city, the monarchy, royal ceremonies, the performing arts and architecture, with touchscreens, films, games and reconstructions rather than display cases. Admission is THB 100 for foreign visitors; it is a good context visit before or after the temples, and an air-conditioned refuge in the hottest hours. Allow 2 hours for one route, up to 4 hours for both.

Highlights

The Rattanakosin history route

The first route, in seven rooms, follows the city's history since 1782: a timeline of events compared with the world's, the birth of the old-town districts, the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, then the arts, ceremonies and customs.

The "Colorful Thai Way of Living" route

The second route takes you into everyday life of the past, with playful experiences (a boat, a tram) and, in "The Heart and Soul of the Nation", a room devoted to the Thai monarchy.

Play and performance

The rooms invite you to build your own temple, handle a puppet or become a character in an animation. Guided tours leave every 30 minutes from 9:30am, and youth performances (dance, music) take place on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 1:30pm, at no extra charge according to the website.

Rattanakosin Sky View

The museum also advertises a viewing area (Rattanakosin Sky View); access may vary, so ask at the ticket desk.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Admission is THB 100 for foreign visitors and THB 70 for Thais; free for children under 1.20 m, students, monks, people over 60 (ID required) and people with disabilities. According to the official website, entry is free in 2026 on royal commemorative days and National Children's Day: check the dates. Last entry for guided tours is at 3pm. The museum combines well with Wat Bowonniwet and Wat Saket, or as a complement to Museum Siam. Our selection of the best museums in Bangkok compares it with the others. Prices checked in October 2026.

How to get there

100 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. No metro or BTS station right next to it: take the Saen Saep canal boat to Phan Fa Lilat pier, or a taxi or Grab. Several bus lines serve the avenue (2, 15, 47, 79, 157, 503 and 509, among others).