Art Places in Bangkok - 10 spots worth visiting

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 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.

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, 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.

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.

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 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 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.