Art Places in Bangkok - 10 spots worth visiting
Art places in Bangkok – besides temples, open-air bazaars, and other typical must-sees in Bangkok, we’ve made a list of 10 places worth setting your eyes on. In the spirit of Widewalls, the list mostly covers contemporary art galleries where you can find the most challenging art in Bangkok. However, we also included some off the beaten path places to stay, chill-out and experience the real local atmosphere. Of course, this city in Thailand has far more to offer than what is suggested in this shortlist, but we present you a different, more artsy side of Bangkok.
Here they are!
WARP 54 - The Warehouse Residence of Christian Develter
WARP 54 is one of the most talked about art venues in Bangkok. The ‘warp’ part comes from warp speed from Star Trek and ‘54’ is the number of the warehouse. The structure, a teakwood warehouse built by the Japanese during World War II, hasn’t changed a lot since those days. The studio is the working space of Christian Develter, an internationally-recognized artist, who is turning an unassuming little soi, only a short stroll from the river, into a Soho-like artistic enclave. But, the studio is not simply a private space. Pop-up events ranging from dance performances to magazine launches and gourmet sit-down dinners occupy its rough teakwood floors now and again. WARP54 is open by appointment or whenever Develter is working in the studio.
H Gallery - One of the Leading Venues for Thai and Asian Contemporary Art
H Gallery is one of Asia’s leading venues for Thai and Asian Contemporary Art in the city. Established in 2002, the gallery began with the focus on emerging Asian artists and since then has established a program of exhibitions and installations that aims to generate critical dialogues on contemporary art practices for the global context. H Gallery offers an exciting and diverse range of exhibitions covering photography, painting and sculpture.
Kathmandu Photo Gallery - The Photographer's Paradise
Kathmandu Photo Gallery is a wonderfully-restored old pre-war shop house aptly located near the Indian (Sri Mariamma) Temple in the financial district of Bangkok. Its owner is a Thai photo-artist Manit Sriwanichpoom. Downstairs, the antique green walls are literally covered with framed black and white photographs of varied subjects from Manit’s travels, while the upstairs gallery hosts the temporary exhibitions. This inspiring place also has a book corner that offers art, photography and spiritually adventurous titles.
Whitespace Gallery - The Gallery That Supports Young Talents
Founded in 2006 by American architect David Mayer and Thai artist Maitree Siriboon, Whitespace Gallery is Thailandʼs independent art gallery that has successfully introduced and promoted extraordinarily talented young contemporary Thai artists, through series of mainly solo exhibitions. Located in Siam Square, Whitespace is focused on supporting emerging Thai artists in finding non-commercial centre to display their work. These exhibitions served for many artists as an important platform for the launch of their careers, helping them gain recognition and opportunities to exhibit their work throughout Asia and Europe. Whitespace Gallery responds and supports a range of exhibitions/projects from painting, sculpture, photography, installation, to new media and conceptual art.
The Toot Yung Art Center - The French Vision of Thai Experience
The Toot Yung Art Center, located in Ekamai soi 2, includes a residence, a working studio space for artist’s production and workshops, a gallery, a boutique and a bar. The Founder, Henri Pierre Wirth, heir of the French PSB Industries, has been based in Bangkok for four years. Having a long time passion for the arts, and especially Thai artists and musicians, he teamed up with French curator Myrtille Tibayrenc, to establish the artistic direction of the art centre. The gallery holds monthly shows featuring an international group of work with established names, as well as emerging artists.
Preduce - The First Thai Skateboard Company
Founded in 2003, Preduce is the first Thai skateboard company. In July 2006, its flagship store opened in Siam Square and it became the home of Bangkok skate and street culture. Another shop soon followed in Esplanade Ratchada next to the first indoor skatepark in Bangkok. Preduce is now distributed internationally and has developed a large range of products including skate decks and hardware, but also a full clothing line. Preduce has worked closely with many local and international designers, artists, filmers, photographers and musicians. The skate team also gained recognition worldwide with the videos Smooth (2006) and Sambai (2009) that put Thai skating on the map.
Eat Me - Delicious Food and International Exhibitions
Long-running Eat Me is both a trendy restaurant and a gallery, with regular local and international exhibitions organized in its space. The restaurant has a cool, laid-back vibe, attracting young international crowd. Even if you are not into exhibitions, here you can relax and taste delicious Thai/fusion cuisine.
Hippie de Bar - The Best Place to Hang Out
Hippie de Bar has a funky retro vibe, indoors and outdoors. This funky bar is the chill-out centre for the artsy and creative souls of Bangkok. The interior is cosy and very welcoming, since the bar is located in a converted old, wooden house. It is a restaurant by day, so the guests can enjoy the food before switching to funky music later at night.
Seven - The Hotel Adorned With Buddhist Philosophy
Seven Design Hotel is a small 5-star boutique hotel neatly tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in central Bangkok, just 5 minutes away from Phrom Phong BTS Skytrain station, Asok MRT underground station and various major sights and scenes. This privately owned home-away-from-home gem sets forth a new experience in hotel accommodation in Bangkok with exceptionally original and stylish design, charming service, attention to detail and uniquely Thai concept. The hotel’s interiors include six guest rooms individually decorated with murals inspired by Buddhist philosophy, and a red multifunctional 7th Space – The 7th Heaven Bar/Gallery/Library/Reception. Seven is designed by its young Thai owner, Pylin Jane Sanguanpiyapand, and her incredible design team.
The Artists’ Place - A Peaceful and Authentic Guesthouse
If you want to stay in an authentic Thai soi and experience a real local atmosphere, you should look for The Artists’ Place. The Artists’ Place is a peaceful guesthouse with an artist’s flair and the motto “Some guesthouses make profits, we make friends”, located in a charming Thai neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist districts. You will pay local prices for the best Thai food and beer. Charlee, the local artist owner, is always hospitable and available for helpful advice.
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