Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [149]
NATIONAL GALLERY
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0 2282 2639; Th Chao Fa, Ko Ratanakosin; admission 200B; 9am-4pm Wed-Sun; air-con 508 & 511, ordinary 47 & 53; Tha Phra Athit (Banglamphu, N13)
Housed in a weathered colonial building that was the Royal Mint during the reign of Rama V, the National Gallery’s permanent exhibition is a rather dusty and dated affair. Secular art is a relatively new concept in Thailand and most of the country’s best examples of fine art reside in the temples for which they were created – much as historic Western art is often found in European cathedrals. As such, most of the permanent collection here documents Thailand’s homage to modern styles. More interesting are the rotating exhibits held in the spacious rear galleries; take a look at the posters out front to see what’s on.
NUMTHONG GALLERY
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0 2243 4326; www.numthonggallery.com; Room 109, Bangkok Co-op Housing Bldg, 1129/29 Th Toeddamri, Dusit; 11am-6pm Mon-Sat; Ari exit 3 & taxi
A proving ground for Thai contemporary artists, Numthong has featured work by the cream of the crop of Thailand’s avant-garde, including Vasan Sitthiket, Michael Shaowanasai and Kamin Lertchaiprasert.
QUEEN’S GALLERY
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0 2281 5360; www.queengallery.org; 101 Th Ratchadamnoen Klang, Banglamphu; 10am-7pm Thu-Tue; admission 20B; air-con 59, ordinary 42 & 59; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah
This royal-funded museum presents five floors of rotating exhibitions of modern and traditionally influenced art. The building is sleek and contemporary and the artists hail from the upper echelons of the conservative Thai art world. The attached shop is filled with fine-arts books and gifts.
SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY
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0 2623 6115; www.su.ac.th; 31 Th Na Phra Lan, Ko Ratanakosin; air-con 503, 508 & 511, ordinary 15 & 53; Tha Chang (N9)
Thailand’s universities aren’t usually repositories for interesting architecture, but the country’s premier art school breaks the mould. Housed in a former palace, the classical buildings form the charming nucleus of an early Thai aristocratic enclave. The building immediately facing the Th Na Phra Lan gate houses the university’s art gallery, which showcases faculty and student exhibitions. To the right of the building is a shady sculpture garden displaying the work of Corado Ferroci (aka Silapa Bhirasri), the Italian art professor who helped establish Silpakorn’s fine arts department.
SURAPON GALLERY
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0 2638 0033-4; www.rama9art.org/gallery/surapon/index.html; 11am-6pm Mon-Sat; 1st fl, Tisco Tower, 48/3 Th Sathon Neua; Lumphini exit 2
Perhaps the most ‘Thai’ of the city’s contemporary galleries, Surapon has featured work by some of the country’s most renowned artists such as painters Chatchai Puipia and Muangthai Busamaro.
TANG GALLERY
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0 2630 1114; basement, Silom Galleria, 919/1 Th Silom; 11am-7pm Mon-Sat; air-con 76, 77, 177, 504, 514, 547 & MB12, ordinary 77, 162, 163 & 164; Surasak exit 3
Bangkok’s primary venue for modern artists from China has edged its way to become among the city’s top contemporary galleries. Check the posters in the lobby of its home, Silom Galleria, to see what’s on.
THAVIBU GALLERY
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0 2266 5454; www.thavibu.com; 3rd fl, Silom Galleria, 919/1 Th Silom; 11am-7pm Tue-Sat, noon-6pm Sun; air-con 76, 77, 177, 504, 514, 547 & MB12, ordinary 77, 162, 163 & 164; Surasak exit 3
Thavibu is an amalgam of Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. The gallery specialises in contemporary paintings by younger and emerging artists from the three countries.
WHITESPACE
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0 2252 2900; www.whitespaceasia.com; 2nd fl, Lido Bldg, Soi 3, Siam Sq; 1-7pm Tue-Fri, 11.30am-8pm Sat & Sun; Siam exit 2
An active design studio, Whitespace also includes a small noncommercial gallery that features a diverse array of exhibitions by emerging artists.
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
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