The Bangkok Metropolitan aims to operate local community museums for each of its 50 districts.  In order to develop Bangkok into a metropolitan cultural centre, each museum contains the cultural knowledge and local wisdom of its district.  These museums are peaceful little hideaways: charming as learning centres with warm community vibes standing out against the backdrop of Bangkok’s hectic bustle.

Each museum has displays on its district’s history, background, and important people, as well as the local way of life, specialties and tourist attractions.  This interesting information is displayed through models and multi-media.  Most of the museums are appropriately located in temple / school areas:

Suan Luang District – its museum is located at the Thai teak pavilion of Wat Tai.
Samphanthawong District – at Wat Tri Mit
Bangkok Noi District – Suwannaram Witthayakhom School

One highlight worth a visit is Phra Nakhon District’s museum.  It is situated in a Thai house in front of Phra Nakhon District Office on Samsen Road.  This elegant 2-storey house formerly belonged to nobleman Phraya Ammaretsombat.  It was built around 1914 and has been well maintained in its ancient and rare beauty.  The house itself is valuable heritage and worth admiring.

The museum displays the story of Phra Nakhon District, the inner town on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.  Covering an area of almost 1400 acres, this is the centre of the Nation’s rich culture.  Moreover, many important historical attractions are located in this district, such as the Grand Palace, Rattanakosin Island, 23 temples, Muslim Mosques, and several shrines.  In addition, this district is the centre of many important governmental and private organizations.

The museum house building spans an area of 240 sq m, displaying the fine craftsmanship of the district in terms of the history of Thonburi and Rattanakosin.  In addition, visitors can admire the charming atmosphere of life in the palace, as well as Bangkok’s quaint old communities.  Moreover, visitors will appreciate photos depicting the Phra Nakhon’s timeless ‘Venice of the East’ canal and river scenes, as well as its lively traditional events and fairs.  Other exhibits include the background of the district’s renowned highlights such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum, and the World’s only Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanadda.  Furthermore, the museum also provides historical information about the district’s moats, canals, walls, gates and forts.  History lovers will be very satisfied.

The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 4pm.  Admission is free.  For further information, contact Bangkok’s Office of Culture, Sports and Tourism, tel. 0 2640 6423.