The MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum (maiiam.com; adult/child 150฿/free) is the only standalone collection of Thai and Southeast Asian contemporary art in the country. Featuring both temporary exhibitions and a permanent family collection, it presents a unique collection of new and contemporary Thai art that stands out against tradition.
Initiated by Jean Michel Beurdeley and his late wife Patsri Bunnag, MAIIAM’s shimmering building of glass-and-mosaic cladding was built to share their private collection with the people of Chiang Mai and in memory of Chao Chom Iam, a royal consort to Rama V and direct ancestor of the family.
Throughout the year, the museum mounts a wide range of long-term and temporary exhibits, from visual art and design to fashion, live performance, film screenings, educational programs, lectures, workshops and, of course, art. The museum also has a small cafe that serves tea, coffee, snacks and cocktails, plus a shop that sells museum merchandise, prints, designer products and rare artist books, including hard-to-find copies and limited editions. The museum is open from 10am to 6pm and is closed Tuesdays.
