Guide to all the museums and galleries in Chiang Mai and environs
Chiang Mai museums and galleries
There are actually several museums in Chiang Mai, covering some rather intriguing subjects. Chiang Mai galleries are numerous and many double as small coffee shops, displaying commendable art from students of Chiang Mai University Art Faculty.
Since Chaing Mai is also a handicraft centre, there are several galleries displaying contemporary pottery, antiques, and Lanna Art. With more than 800 years of history encompassing Lanna culture, there is plenty to see in Chiang Mai museums.
Museums in Chiang Mai
- The Chiang Mai National Museum
- The main museum in Chiang Mai is more than 50 years old and is located beside the historic Wat Jed Yod. In addition to telling the story of Chiang Mai's past, through pictures and displays, it also has a well catalogued and preserved collection of artefacts, including Buddhist icons, pottery, weapons and household or agricultural items from the Lanna society of the past. Recently renovated, the Chiang Mai National Museum has two floors, with additional branches in Lamphun and Chiang Saen - equally historic Lanna cities. Address: 451 Superhighway Rd., T. Changphuak, A. Muang, Chiangmai, Tel / Fax: +66 53 221 308, 408 568, Open daily 9am-4pm, Entry: 30 baht per Foreigner, 10 baht per Thai.
- Tribal Museum of Chiang Mai
- Established in 1965 and recently moved to new premises in the pretty Ratchamankla Park, this museum documents the lives and cultures of Northern Thailand's unique hill-tribes, including the Hmong, Karen, Akkha, Lisu, Lahu and Mien. An impressive range of colourful costumes, unusual accessories and jewelry, tools, utensils, musical instruments and general rural paraphernalia is on display and the story of each of these ethnic minorities is well told. Unique and certainly worth visiting. Address: Chotana Rd., A. Muang, Chiangmai, Tel / Fax: +66 53 210 872, Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Close Sat, Sun and Holiday, Slide show: 15-20 mins. 20 baht, 42 mins 40 baht and 54 mins. 50 baht daily, Entry: Free.
- Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
- A bizarre, worthwhile trip for the whole family, with a commendable collection of some astonishing insects of all shapes and sizes. Personal tours in English from the eccentric owner with special emphasis on the extensive research into mosquitoes by him and his PhD wife (displaying all 422 varieties of mosquitoes found in Thailand). Address: 72 Nimmanhemin Rd., Soi 13, Muang, Chiangmai, Tel: +66 53 211 891, Fax: +66 53 216 262, Open daily 9am-5pm, Entry: 300 baht (Adult), 100 baht (Child), Email: insects_museum@hotmail.com
Travellers Tale: The creepiest museum in the World
A visit Chiang Mai's Museum of World Insects reveals all manner of creepy crawleys and a fascinating display of (thankfully dead) spiders, beetles, bugs and unmentionables, guaranteed to intrigue the whole family ...more
- Dara Phirom Museum
- A curious insight into the life of a Thai Royal, more than 100 years ago. This cultural museum displays, almost entirely, the Chiang Mai home of Princess Dara Rasmi, who was a consort of King Chulalonghorn and half-sister of the chief Prince of Lanna at the time. She played a key role in maintaining cultural practices in Chiang Mai - collecting many beautiful pieces of furniture and art, and much of this is shown at this small museum out of town. Address: Moo 1, T. Rim Tai, A. Mae Rim, Chiangmai, Tel: +66 53 299 175, Fax: +66 53 298 061, Open 9am - 4.30pm Tue-Sun, Close Mon, Entry: 20 baht (Adult), Free for Child (under 12 years old).
- Chiang Mai Air Museum
- A curious collection of old relic planes left behind by the Japanese after WWII, plus more recent additions to the Royal Thai Air Force, and details on military history of the area, particularly during the past century. Address: 10 Moo 3, T. Suthep, A. Muang, Chiangmai, Tel: +66 53 202 617, Mobile: +66 081 028 4663 (Kh. Weerachart), Open: 9am - 4pm Mon-Fri, Close: Sat-Sun, Entry: Free.
- Mon-Fai Museum
- A relatively low-key gem tucked away in Mae Rim suburb, this antique house has been lovingly preserved by Ajarn Rumpat Kodhikaew. It has frozen old Lanna culture in time, displaying costume and traditions that are seldom seen today. This 'fabric museum' authentically recreates period costume of the Northern Thais through the ages, including the many variations of local tribes and their colourful outfits. 6 Moo 3, Soi 7, Patan Road, A. Muang, Chiangmai, Tel: +66 53 110145, Open: 8am-7pm daily, Entry: Free
- Museum of Dolls
- A curious collection of Asian dolls, located in fine new building in the Baan Tawai crafts centre. It’s associated with a production centre that specialises in dolls as a handicraft, and this charming museum displays all sorts of dolls old and new. It’s a bit out of the way but can be combined with shopping trip to Hang Dong. Hang Dong-Sarapee road, Baan Tawai district. Address: 187/2 Moo 9, T. Makamluang, A. Sanpatong, Chiangmai, Tel / Fax: +66 53 837 229, Mobile: +66 081 023 1594, 086 1981871, Open 8am - 5pm daily, Entry: Free.
Galleries in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a very good place to pick up exclusive interior décor art pieces, with plenty of Asian antique and art dealers in town. There are many shops promoting themselves as galleries, especially along Tapae rd and in the Night Market vicinity. Some have some very beautiful, expensive and exclusive items on sale. In fact, Chiang Mai has a very arty atmosphere largely due to the Chiang Mai University art students who all dream of opening little coffee shops on every corner in order to display their work.
We're not experts on the subject, here are just a few galleries in Chiang Mai in which to view art displays and pick up a few exclusive pieces.
- Chiang Mai Faculty of Arts Museum:
- A busy venue for student art exhibitions, performances and private displays. Cnr Suithep and Nimmanhemin rds. Tel: 053 944833
- Gong Dee Gallery:
- home décor shop with superb taste in interiors and exclusive ranges. Showroom: 10, 12 Soi 1, Nimmanhaemin Rd., A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50200
Tel. +66 53 225 032, 219 499, 894 082, Studio: 30 Soi 1, Nimmanhaemin Rd., A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Tel. +66 53 222 230, Website: http://www.gongdeegallery.com/, OPEN 8:00 - 20:00 7 days a week.
There are actually several fine galleries and décor craft shops on this little lane.
- Studio Naenna:
- long established purveyor of hand woven silk and cotton fabrics and garments. Address: 138/8 Soi Changkhian, Huay Keow Rd., T. Chang peuak, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50300, Tel. +66 53 226 042, Fax +66 53 217 707, Operating Hours: April thru September: 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Closed Sunday, October thru March: 8.30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Daily), Website: http://www.studio-naenna.com/
- La Luna:
- rotating exhibitions of works by Asian artists, some for sale. Address: 190 Charoenraj Rd., T. Watgate, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand, Tel / Fax: +66 53 306 678, Mobile: +66 089 635 7667, Website: http://www.lalunagallery.com/, Email: laluna@lalunagallery.com.
- Saktong Gallery:
- Fine Thai wood carving, rare Asian art pieces and Lanna-styled paintings. Baan Tawai.
- Monkey Club:
- a trendy outdoor restaurant that continually has an assortment of artists on display upstairs. Address: Nimminheimin Road, Soi 9, Tel: +66 53 226 997-8, Open 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
- The Gallery:
- Doubles as an upmarket restaurant in a 100-year-old riverside teak house with fine objects d'art on display. 29 Charoenrat rd; tel (053) 248 601.
- Writers' Club and Wine Bar:
- frequently displays collections from commendable artists who are associated with Chiang Mai. Address: 141/3 Ratchadamnoen Rd., Prasing, Chiangmai.
on sale widely
