Art enthusiasts in Bangkok rejoice! One of Thailand’s prominent collectors, Sermkhun Kunawong, is set to open the doors to his private collection on May 4, transforming it into a stunning new museum experience.
The Kunawong Museum House is not your typical museum.
Stepping inside the 5,000-square-meter space in Lat Phrao is like entering a living testament to Thai art of various fields and eras. More than 1,000 pieces – paintings, prints, sculptures, furniture, photographs, headpieces, Khon masks, and decorative arts – by Thai masters as well as rising and popular names weave a visual tapestry, narrating the artistic evolution of Thailand from the past to the present.
Sermkhun Kunanwong
The display is unique and lively. Each room in the building has its unique character and is decorated with valuable artworks of various kinds.
Antique furniture is everywhere and, pleasingly, the artworks are mostly at eye-level, inviting exploration in an open and accessible environment. They are also unconfined by glass or (visible) security measures.
Those into Thai culture will not be disappointed as the display includes enamel from the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, Buddha statues, Buddha cabinets, Chadanangs, flame tiaras, and Buddhist scripture boxes from the reign of King Rama IV, displayed on exquisite Thai stands from the reigns of King Rama IV and V.
Puppet cabinets showcase various works. All these works are treasures that should be kept for posterity to admire and be proud of in our civilization.
The Reading Room//Photo courtesy of the Kunawong Museum House
Visitors can expect to view works of Thai masters including Tawan Duchanee, Fua Haripitak, Chakkrabhand Posayakrit, Chalood Nimsamer, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Prateep Kochabua, and Khien Yimsiri, to name just a few.
Early work by Master Chakkrabhand Posayakrit//Photo courtesy of the Kunawong Museum House
However, the museum isn’t just about showcasing established names. Prepare to discover the works of unique Thai artists like Kongkan, Kru To-ML Jirathon Jiraprawat, Kru Pan-Somnuk Klangnok, Crybaby Molly, and Yuree Gain.
Crybaby Molly meets its creator//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae
You’ll also find a captivating collection of ceramic art, enamelware, and Buddhist artifacts dating back to the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods. Some items are priceless and extremely rare.
The Kunawong Museum House is divided into three sections with 19 sub-zones. Each zone has its own identity and story content with interesting tales hidden in each work.
The Cubic Building: This modern building houses seven exhibition zones. Explore everything from the “Grand Garuda Room” – perhaps the biggest Garuda one has seen up close – to the “Kacha Lounge,” a dedicated music listening space. Each zone has a specific purpose and artistic theme.
The Grand Garuda Hall//Photo courtesy of the Kunawong Museum House
The Residence, meanwhile, offers a peek into the artistic heart of the Kunawong family. This three-storey building showcases a diverse collection – antiques, contemporary art, sculptures and more – displayed across 11 sub-zones. Visitors can relax in the “Contemporary Conversation Hall” surrounded by thought-provoking pieces.
The Portrait Hall//Photo courtesy of the Kunawong Museum House
The Garden of Life invites you to step outside and immerse yourself in sculptures that reflect Buddhist concepts and contemplate human life’s journey – nature, birth, ageing, sickness, and death.
The Garden of Life// Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae
Decades in the making
A successful event organizer, Sermkhun is known for his passion for Thai art. He’s been collecting for over 32 years, driven by a deep appreciation for the country’s artistic heritage.
The Kunawong Museum House is a continuation of his project, the Bangkok Sculpture Center, which was one of the most outstanding sculpture museums in Thailand.
It opened in 2004 and ceased operations in 2022. He has brought the entire collection to the Kunawong Museum House, which is jointly owned by him and his two daughters, Mueanfun Sirikorn Kunawong and Wadfun Kunawong.
Hall of Contemporary Dialogues//Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae
Sermkhun envisions that the collection of works will be passed down to the next generation and be a source of inspiration and art appreciation for the general public.
The Kunawong Museum House is officially open again after opening briefly for viewing in the first phase in 2019, Sermkhun says, “the idea was to share the experience and aesthetics of living with art with other people, both Thais and foreigners.
The exhibition area was expanded and additional buildings were built for exhibitions with more than 1,000 pieces on display spread over approximately 5,000 square meters.
We hope the museum will be a new landmark of artistic tourism in Bangkok that brings knowledge and enjoyment and is beneficial to the art world.”
Display of Chakrabhand Room//Photo courtesy of the Kunawong Museum House
If you go:
Baan Kunawong Museum is located on Soi Lat Phrao 54. It’s open for viewing every Saturday-Sunday from 9.30am to 6.00pm
Entry is 450 baht, and visitors must be 13 years of age or older. Bookings can be made at https://www.zipeventapp.com/
The Entrance//Photo courtesy of the Kunawong Museum House
