A number of new museums have opened in Bangkok in recent years. This new generation of museums are targeted mostly at Thais, and are using an impressive array of technological tricks to lure in the locals, who have something of an extreme disdain for museums. The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is the latest entry in the competition. Although it aims to attract Thais, the museum will still be of interest to western visitors.
The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is located near the Golden Mount and Loha Prasat, in one of the old buildings along Ratchadamnoen Road. "Rattanakosin" is the name of the original royal city area of Bangkok, where the Grand Palace, Wat Po and National Museum are located. The museum recounts the history of this area of Bangkok, and thus the history of the current ruling dynasty.
Detailed model of the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, on display in the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
Tours of the exhibition hall are guided only, since there are a number of multi-media ‘production numbers’ along the way. The first of these is probably the most impressive, although it’s so subtle I suspect most visitors don’t even know what it’s doing. I won’t spoil the surprise.
The following galleries house displays about the Grand Palace and the performing arts. The performing arts gallery includes a 360-degree theater with a video presentation as well as some fine examples of Khon masks.
Khon Masks on display in the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
There’s a top floor observation room with coffee shop. The circular lounge has great views of the Golden Mount, Loha Prasat, King Prajadhipok Museum and Queen’s Gallery. This area is positioned as a sort of ‘break’ in the guided tour, which continues with coverage of royal ceremonies and concludes with a look at the architecture of the city.
The area where the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is located is one of those interesting areas of Bangkok that doesn’t get that many tourists, even though it’s relatively accessible. The museum is open every day except Monday. Tours cost 100 Baht. On the ground floor there are two coffee shops, including a small branch of Coffee Beans by Dao, as well as some souvenir shops and a library. All of the ground floor shops can be accessed without paying admission. The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall web site is in Thai only.
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