Silpakorn University

Lonely Planet review

Thailand's universities aren't usually repositories for interesting architecture, but the country's premier art school breaks the mould. Partly housed in a former palace, the classical buildings form the charming nucleus of what was an early Thai aristocratic enclave and the traditional temperament still survives. The building immediately facing the Th Na Phra Lan gate was once part of a palace and now houses the Silpakorn University Art Centre, which showcases faculty and student exhibitions.

To the right of the building is a shady sculpture garden displaying the work of Corrado Feroci (also known as Silpa Bhirasri), the Italian art professor and sculptor who came to Thailand at royal request in the 1920s and later established the university (which is named after him) and sculpted parts of the Democracy Monument, among other works.

Not surprisingly, the campus has an arty, contemporary vibe and is a good place to sit and watch sketchers doing their thing. Stop by the Art Shop beside the gallery for unique postcards and books.