In September 2017 I visited a couple of museums in Ratchathewi and Pathum Wan neighbourhoods that had a focus on traditional architecture, arts and antiques. My map is here.
Suan Pakkard Palace, 352 354 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, www.suanpakkad.com
This is a complex of five traditional teak houses all of which exhibit various historical items from different periods.
Exhibits include boats, ancient masonry, homewares, an automaton and various archaeological artefacts, some more interesting than others.
However my favourite thing was walking around the lovely garden.
Click on the photos to expand.
Jim Thompson House, 6 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, www.jimthompsonhouse.com
Jim Thompson was a successful silk merchant who revitalised the Thai silk industry in the 50s and 60s. He built the complex in 1958 to house his extensive antiques collection.
Parts of old houses, some already 100 years old, were reassembled to create six new buildings.
The collection of antiques on display is very impressive.
Unfortunately though visitors aren’t allowed to take photographs inside the house so I have very few of the antiques themselves.
You are however allowed to stand outside the house and take photos in.
Again, the garden is lovely.
Especially the small Spirit Houses (click to enlarge).
The house eventually became a museum after Thompson disappeared in 1967 under mysterious circumstances.
After visiting Suan Pakkard Palace you might be in the mood for some noodles…