With so many eye-catching players emerging into Bangkok’s vibrant art scene, it’s easy to miss out on some worthwhile art galleries. Maybe they’re hidden in a quiet neighbourhood or are too small to be flashy; nevertheless, these under-the-radar art galleries house dynamic collections you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye out on pop-up exhibitions too.
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This neo-Renaissance building doesn’t just host an incredible if small art gallery – it is also a relic and tribute to one of the key figures in Thailand’s art history. Silpa Bhirasri, born Corrado Feroci in Italy, is considered the father of Thai modern art. Not only did his 1943 art school later become Silpakorn University; he organised Bangkok’s annual art fair and other international exhibitions.
This former residence found in the old quarter now houses a Hall of Sculpture and the Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum on the second floor. Once done admiring the sculptures and artwork on display, sit down for a cup of coffee at the ground-floor Coffee Craftsman.
Location: 153 Ratchawithi Rd, Wachira Phayaban, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300
Located in: Army Internal Audit Office
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7AM to 7PM
Phone: +66 (02) 241 4744
Tang Contemporary Art Bangkok
Celebrating Chinese contemporary art, Tang Contemporary Art Bangkok is a speciality gallery within River City Mall. Featuring a varied range of mediums from oil to watercolour to sculptures and prints, this 420-sq-m gallery is more than just your portrait and landscape exhibit. Renowned Chinese and Thai artists present new works via monthly exhibitions so be sure to check in on the newest feature.
Just a short walk from Hua Lamphong MRT Station, it’s the perfect afternoon itinerary for those who want to explore while escaping the sun.
Location: Room. 201 – 206, 2nd floor, River City Bangkok, 23 Soi Charoen Krung 24, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11AM to 7PM (Closed on Monday)
Web: tangcontemporary.com
Phone: +66 2 016 5666
The Neilson Hays Library
This underrated and hidden gem is just around the corner from Wat Kaek but is often overlooked by tourists and locals alike. Interestingly, it’s been a library since 1869 and officially designated as a “Historic Landmark”. Built by Dr. Howard Hays as a memorial for his book-loving wife, Neilson Hays Library is one of the sole English language libraries in Bangkok – complete with English storytelling sessions on Saturday mornings.
Best of all, it is home to Rotunda Gallery. Poised as a domed room by the entrance, this space features both Thai and international artists of various art forms. Sculptures dot the garden and courtyard areas like an open museum, paving the way to the special collections building. You’ll find almost every art form at this gallery, whether print, painting, installations, ceramics or textiles. Entry costs 100 baht.
Location: 195 Thanon Surawong, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30AM-5PM (Closed on Monday)
Web: neilsonhayslibrary.com/
Phone: +66 02 233 1731
RCB Photographers’ Gallery
Located on the 2nd floor of River City Bangkok (RCB), RCB Photographer's Gallery dedicates its space to promoting the photographic medium in Thailand by showcasing fine arts and commercial work of local and international photographers of all levels, from amateur to professional. It has hosted photographic exhibitions of large and small scale as well as talks and receptions.
RCB Photographers’ Gallery has been instrumental in promoting the value of photography to the Thai photography community
Location: Fl 2, 23 Soi Charoen Krung 24, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 11AM to 8PM | Weekends and public holidays, 10AM - 8PM
Web: rivercitybangkok.com
Phone: +66 2 237 0077 ext. 632
Richard Koh Projects
Richard Koh Projects was created with support in mind. Since its establishment in 2005, the gallery has continued to promote underrated artists and emerging art practices. As a pop-up travelling art space that reflects the ever-changing art scene in South East Asia, its exhibited works move freely between three locations: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. They also push out regular digital and print publications. You can check in several times a year as their exhibitions are renewed quite frequently.
This gallery is currently located at N22 District which houses other art-based communities; there are plenty of contemporary works to browse through.
Location: 2198, Art Warehouse, Unit A, 3rd Floor N22, 10-11 Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10AM to 6PM (Closed on Sunday to Monday)
Web: rkfineart.com
Phone: +66 2 037 6944
ILFORD Galerie Bangkok
Opened in 2018, ILFORD Galerie Bangkok is the first fine art print gallery space in Bangkok. It is a place to help and promote new and upcoming photographers and artists as well as the photography community in Thailand. It is the only gallery in Thailand that does not take any cut from any artwork that sells in their space.
The gallery is located on Surawong Road, not far from the Oriental Hotel. It is about 10 minutes walking distance from BTS Saphan Taksin (S8). There is a cafe, meeting areas, workshop and camera exchange store.
Location: 460/8 Surawong Rd, Si-Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 8AM to 6PM (closed on Sunday)
Web: www.facebook.com/ilfordgaleriebangkok
Phone: +66 87 795 7796
Joyman Gallery
Nestled within historic Rattanakosin Island, Joy Man Gallery is a curious addition to the temples and heritage buildings around it. Spread out over two floors are contemporary artworks by young and emerging local talents, featuring paintings, sculptures and other innovative exhibitions. While relatively new to the scene, its eclectic collection and knowledgeable staff put it on par with other established galleries. All artworks are for sale.
While there are parking spaces available, the best way to get there is by taxi. Take advantage of the free entry and 8:30PM closing to visit at any time of the day.
Location: 357 359 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11AM-8:30PM (Closed on Monday)
Web: www.joymangallery.com
Phone: +66 65 124 2222
Ardel's Third Place Gallery
 Courtesy of Ardel’s Third Gallery |
Ardel’s Third Place Gallery is third in a series of art spaces founded by Prof. Thavorn Ko-udomvit, all belonging to the umbrella ARDEL Gallery of Modern Art. Apart from rotating exhibitions throughout the year, the gallery functions as a learning space as well. Art students, already emerging artists and well-known artists alike are welcome to feature their works here. Diversity is another theme; Ardel’s Gallery showcases all manners of contemporary art, from painting to video installations to graphic arts. What emerged is a friendly community where everyone can develop their personal style.
Located on Thonglor soi 10, it’s perfect for a look-see if you’re in the area. There’s also a mini café area for tired legs.
Location: 137 – 137/1, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Soi Thong Lo 10, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Bangkok, 10110
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10AM to 6PM (Closed on Sunday)
Web: www.ardelgallery.com/
Phone: +66 2 422 2092
Palette Artspace
Founded in 2019, Palette Artspace is run by Watjanasin ‘Note’ Charuwattanakitti and his three siblings, who are also behind the Karmavijtra museum, it is a place devoted to erotic Thai art through the ages in Sukhumvit 38. However, Palette Artspace provides a space to showcase artworks from a wide range of genres. It hosts a rotating series of exhibitions from local and international artists throughout the year.
Located only steps away from Thonglor BTS, the four-story minimally designed gallery-slash-cafe, with artworks displayed on the wall, is visible from the BTS through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Location: 1055, 1057 Sukhumvit 55, Khwaeng Klongton Nue, Khet Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: Open Daily (7.30AM to 9PM)
Web: www.palettebkk.com
Phone: +66 64 587 6788
La Lanta Fine Art
The contemporary gallery of La Lanta Fine Art is a well-known name for those who have been to art shows and fairs, but not so familiar if you’re just starting to explore Bangkok’s art scene. They’re truly about crossing borders – the monthly exhibitions feature both local and international artists from China, Japan, Myanmar, Denmark, Argentina and more countries. Young talents are given plenty of support via the “Young Programme” project.
Another gallery within the N22 district, it’s definitely a must-see if you’re gallery hopping. You can easily access it via ThanonChan BRT or Chongnonsi BTS. Make sure to pop by while unveiling this affluent neighbourhood.
Location: Unit B, 3rd Floor, 2198/10-11 Narathiwas Rajanakarin Road, Soi 22, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM to 7PM (Closed on Sunday and Monday)
Web: www.lalanta.com/
Phone: +66 2 050 7882
Gallery VER
Gallery VER approaches art with a unique perspective. Their projects tap into untold stories of communities within Thailand, such as their recent exhibition on Burmese immigrants; others reflect philosophical concepts and musings on art. While small, this gallery encourages conversation between the artist and viewer – they believe that unchartered stories and art forms should be explored.
Anyone with more than a passing fancy in the art will love chatting with the staff as they introduce you to established and emerging talents.
Location: Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 22, Bangkok
Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 12PM to 6PM (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Web: galleryver.com
Phone: +66 2 218 3709
TARS Gallery
Unlike other local-featuring galleries, TARS Gallery aims to connect local artists with international movements. They showcase works that question established social patterns and launched a residency program, allowing artists to produce pieces in a stimulating environment – hopefully with new perspectives. They largely feature contemporary art.
Location: 10/3 Sukhumvit 67 Alley, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 2PM to 6PM (closed Monday to Wednesday)
Web: tarsgallery.com
Phone: +66 99 736 8672
XSPACE Gallery
Art doesn’t just refer to traditional mediums. Newly established XSPACE Gallery is all about dimensional art forms such as furniture design, art products and architectural works. The building reflects its open-minded and boundary-crossing mindset, designed like a louvre for maximum light exposure and creativity. Tour around the exhibition area and come up with your own interpretation of “contemporary culture”.
Location: 71/15 Soi Pattanavate 12, Preedeepanomyong 14 Sukhumvit 71 Prakanong-Nua Watthana, Bangkok
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30AM to 5:30PM (Closed on weekends)
Web: www.xspace.gallery
Phone: +66 2 102 1785
In Closing
I believe you find this information useful and hope you can visit Bangkok whenever it is okay to travel freely again.
You can check this blog - Best art galleries in Bangkok - the 2021 edition for information about other galleries in Bangkok.
 | About MePhotographer and visual storyteller based in BangkokBRYCE Watanasoponwong is a Thai-Australian photographer and visual storyteller. He is interested in producing a narrative series that evoke emotion and make a personal impact. Becoming more involved in how is photography is... read on |
