Bangkok’s Museum of Buddhist Art: worth a detour

Whether you’re solidly interested in Asian antiquities and arts, or your interest is more in the philosophy of Buddhism, this important but out-of-the-way museum is worth a visit.

Organized chronologically, the exhibitions in this private museum house some of the more important examples of Buddhist art and artifacts in Southeast Asia, many from individual private collections. Here are twenty galleries divided by region and type of object, including spirit houses, Buddha images from many countries, pottery, and texts. Many historical eras are documented, including Ayutthaya, Khmer, Lanna, Lao, and Lopburi.

Notes to each exhibit are provided in English, and there is a museum shop and coffee shop on the premises as well. In addition there are two smaller museums, one of which is devoted to Kuan Yin goddess imagery, and another an amalgam of folk art and twentieth century urban artifacts.

The museum is located on Soi Pattanakarn 40, and is open from 10:30 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. The museum is located roughly halfway down the soi on the right, in a white building. On Tuesday through Friday, you must make an appointment in advance, and you will be asked to have at least three persons in your party. Saturday, you may arrive without an appointment. Entry is 250 baht. Tel: (02) 321-0048