Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

About this place

Bangkok's leading contemporary art centre, opened in 2008 at the Pathumwan intersection in the heart of the shopping district, in a modern white building centred on a tall circular atrium wrapped by a spiral ramp that climbs between floors, a design reminiscent of New York's Guggenheim. The upper floors show changing exhibitions of contemporary Thai and Asian art, from painting, photography and sculpture to interactive works; the lower floors hold small shops for independent artists, books and crafts, cafes and an art library. Performances and cultural evenings are held from time to time. Entry to most exhibitions is free, and the centre opens Tuesday to Sunday from ten in the morning until eight in the evening, closed on Mondays. Some contemporary shows can include bold works, so read the exhibition description at the entrance if you are with children. Heat and humidity peak from March to May, and afternoon downpours are heavy from June to October. A calm, air-conditioned break between malls, linked by skywalk to National Stadium station and MBK.