National Gallery

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.