Visiting Bangkok’s Museum Siam in the old Ministry of Commerce building
Museum Siam is a Thai discovery museum located near the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District.
The one thing I enjoyed about visiting the Museum Siam was being able to walk through the historic building — the former home of the Ministry of Commerce.
Italian architect Mario Tamagno, in collaboration with engineer E.G. Gollo, designed the building in 1921, with the construction completed by 1922.
Mario Tamagno was also involved in the construction of two other large buildings — Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Bangkok rail station, which is also known as Hua Lamphong station.
The building is celebrating its 100th year in 2022, and the curator of the Museum Siam has installed a wonderful display explaining the history of the building. The exhibition explains how the building designers used the position of the sun to cool the complex. The ‘New Take on Old Building’ is on display till 31st December 2021.
The commerce staff began moving from the building in 1999. The department was fully removed from the building in 2004.
Museum Siam began operating from the old Ministry of Commerce building in 2007.
The exhibitions at the Museum Siam explains Thailand’s history through interactive displays. Each display is written in two languages: Thai and English.
How to get to the Museum Siam
The easiest way to get to the Reclining Buddha is to catch the MRT Blue Line train service to Sanam Chai railway station, and exit via Gate 1 which brings you out at the front yard of Museum Siam (photo below).
For more info about Bangkok’s MRT rail network, click here. The Museum Siam is open from 10am to 6pm — but closed on Mondays.
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