Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (Nitas Rattanakosin Museum)

The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall was officially launched on 9 March 2010 and invites the public to learn about and appreciate Thailand’s artistic and cultural legacies of the Rattanakosin era. The Museum is divided into nine halls, with nine topics, spanning over 4,800 square metres. Besides the exhibition halls, the building also has a 300 square meter Event Hall on the ground floor for artistic and cultural events organised by educational institutions and private agencies.

The museum is clad with state-of-the-art multimedia and interactive technologies, presentation devices, models and multi-media and multi-touch animation technologies. Visitors can view a 4D multimedia display presenting the beginning of the Rattanakosin, which is held in a small theater called the Grandeur Rattanakosin Room, and features not only audio and video, but also allows members to experience the presentation using touch and smell. Another fabulous feature of the museum is the 360-degree multimedia presentation, featuring traditional entertainment spectacles and performances. Children can find a spot on the floor and enjoy the show, panoramic-style. They also get to watch Ramakien animation, learn khon (Thai masked dance) gestures and try their hands at maneuvering small puppets.

History buffs can watch the multimedia videos, which retell the story of the inauguration of the Rattanakosin era and the city of Bangkok, while architecture enthusiasts can play with the interactive displays and get insights into the design of the celebrated royal palaces and temples, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). On the fourth floor of the building, visitors can admire the magnificent view of the Ratchadamnoen Road as well as a closer look of the Loha Prasat (Metal Castle) and the Golden Mount.

All exhibits are displayed in Thai and English and there are tours available in English leaving every 20 minutes, lasting up to 2 hours (2 routes available). The Museum Library carries some rare books and invaluable publications, as well as an extensive range of Krung Rattanakosin information. Families can relax in the True Coffee sky café overlooking the city or browse the R Shop with products ranging from stationery through to exhibition items.