16 Great Art Galleries in Bangkok

100 Tonson Gallery is a striking private art space with a total area of 100 sq m. The gallery aims to promote the contemporary art scene and exhibits artworks by Thai and international artists. Exhibits include paintings, sculptures and photographs, as well as installations, new media, and conceptual-based art. Located in Lumphini, 100 Tonson Art Gallery is around 1 km southwest of the Phloen Chit BTS Skytrain Station.

The Bangkok Art and Cultural Center (BACC) is the hub of the city’s burgeoning art scene and offers a wide range of contemporary art, design, music, theatre and film. It also hosts changing exhibitions from Thai and International artists.

Located next to the National Stadium BTS Skytrain Station, the center has an international feel, with explanations in English and bilingual staff on hand to enhance the experience. At times, the large space can feel empty but once you step inside the galleries, the innovation is obvious.

Bangkok CityCity Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in the Sathorn district of Bangkok. It displays work by local artists in various forms, such as paintings, sculptures, videos, and live performance. One of Bangkok's custom-built art galleries, the modern minimalist structure is ideal for artists to showcase their work and add their own creative touch to presentations. Bangkok CityCity Gallery also has a cafe just next door if you need a coffee break or snack during your visit.

The Bangkok University Gallery (BUG) exhibits the works of young, emerging, and established Thai artists and designers. Exhibits usually change about 6 to 8 times a year. The 153-sq-m exhibition space tends to display more experimental multidisciplinary art. Located near the Klong Toei Port, this private university gallery is around 1.1 km south of the Ekkamai BTS Skytrain Station.

Kathmandu Photo Gallery is a period-style shophouse gallery by photo-artist Manit Sriwanichpoom. A contemporary take on Thai art and culture, it hosts 6 photo exhibits by upcoming and well-established talents annually, each of which intended to be thought-provoking. You can also purchase signed prints by the owner as well as books and souvenirs with spiritual themes at the gallery.

The Bangkok National Gallery displays work by Thai artists from the 17th century onwards, as well as permanent exhibitions of works by King Rama VI and H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The garden and courtyard areas usually have some interesting sculptures.

The special collection building is at the back of the courtyard with art from home and abroad – everything from painting to prints and installations. Without a great knowledge of Thai art, fully understanding the permanent collection can be difficult. But it's worth checking out the temporary, more modern exhibitions housed in the gardens and special collections building.

La Lanta Fine Art displays contemporary artworks by internationally acclaimed artists. The gallery works across borders with artists from Argentina, Australia, China, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, the UK, the US and Vietnam. La Lanta's ‘Young Program’ project offers opportunities for new faces to showcase their artwork, incorporating them in the gallery's dynamic program. La Lanta Fine Art is in Chong Nonsi, one of Bangkok’s most affluent districts.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Bangkok displays a comprehensive collection of modern paintings and sculptures from various parts of Thailand. The museum’s permanent collections highlight some of the country’s most celebrated artists, including Lumpu Kansanoh, Denpong Wongsaroj, and Bundit Padungvichian. The Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok is in Chatuchak, about 6.5 km north of the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station.

Rotunda Gallery is part of the historic, neo-classical style Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok. It occupies a compact and domed room that used to be the library’s entrance. The gallery is a popular exhibition space for Thai and international artists. Monthly exhibitions showcase a wide range of artistic styles and forms, including photography, textiles, ceramics and paintings. Designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno, the library and its splendid interiors alone are worth visiting.

The Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) is a trendy design learning and resource facility, which was created to give functional designers and entrepreneurs a platform to display their innovative ideas. You can find this state-of-the-art facility inside a building that used to house the Bangkok General Post Office. The design library has over 15,000 design books, videos, multimedia, and films. At the creative space, designers can show their inventions to the public at no expense.