Tucked away in the charming city of Chiang Rai, the Baan Dam Museum welcomes tourists to discover the colourful culture of the Lanna people. This excellent museum is situated in the defunct building of a century-old teakwood bungalow and takes the visitor on a trip through the rich history of the area. Some of the well-displayed items include beautiful textiles, stunning artefacts and rich cultural practices in northern Thailand. When you walk through the museum’s corridors, you will feel like you’ve been transported to the time of the Lanna Kingdom.
History Of Baan Dam Museum
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The Baan Dam Museum, or the Black House, is a remarkable museum in the Chiang Rai province of Thailand. The museum clearly manifests the vision of its owner, Thawan Duchanee, a Thai artist and architect. The Baan Dam Museum was initiated by Thawan Duchanee in 1976, and today, it is still under construction for more than four decades. The museum is an ensemble of over 40 architectural masterpieces on 160,000 square metres. Every building has its name and has its style and the design is quite different from the usual architectural designs, this is because Thawan is an eccentric artist.
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Cathedral Of Baan Dam Museum
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This is the Art Museum Building, also known as the Baan Dam Museum’s Cathedral. It is an incredible architectural masterpiece by Thawan Duchanee. It was constructed for 7 years and finished between 1999 and 2009. Due to the designer’s innovative concept, the cathedral’s structure incorporates elements of traditional Thai wood craftsmanship, creativity, Buddhist art, and modern architecture. The cathedral’s interior is a large central nave with numerous artefacts and art pieces such as paintings, sculptures, and animal specimens. The structure of the building is a combination of traditional Thai architecture and contemporary architecture, which gives it a special look.
Baan Dam Museum: Tri Phum
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The Baan Dam Museum or Tri Phum, which means Triangle House, is an art gallery in Chiang Rai Province, in northeast Thailand. The museum was constructed in 1976-1977 and took seven years to build and restore after being destroyed three times by storms. It is triangular, with its long base aligned along the eastern and western directions. With about 40 buildings, most of them in the Lana architectural style, the museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens that give a rather serene atmosphere. The grounds encompass almost 50 acres of land, and most of the buildings are black, containing Thawan’s works from his journeys. The museum was Thawan’s residence until his death in September 2014. The Baan Dam Museum is one of the famous tourist destinations in Chiang Rai. It features works of art by Thawan Duchanee, a famous Thai artist. The museum is open throughout the year, but curious visitors should know that it has its lunchtime break from 12 noon to 1 pm. There are also numerous places to eat around this area, including coffee shops, souvenir shops, and restaurants near the entrance.
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Baan Dam Museum: Temple & East Pavilion
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The Museum, also known as the Chiang Rai Black Temple or Black House Museum, is a special place that presents the talent of Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The museum is a complex of about 40 buildings situated on a vast territory and represents the combination of Thai Modern Architecture and Lanna Architecture styles.
Temple: The Small Temple is 2 34 metres wide, 5.20 metres long, and 9. It is a 34-metre high structure with a wooden Buddha and an arch in Thai-Burmese style. It was constructed in 1992, and Thawan Duchanee designed it.
East Pavilion: The East Pavilion was also designed by Thawan Duchanee and constructed in 1994. It was built in one year and is designed with the mansard Thai Lanna style roof.
Baan Dam Museum: Exhibits
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Baan Dam Museum in Thailand has a collection of art from around the world. It was founded by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, who designed and constructed it for over 40 years. The exhibits are placed in forty differently formed and sized pavilions within the magnificent park’s territory.
1. Art and Sculptures
This museum houses various forms of art and sculpture, such as paintings, carvings, and installations. The art pieces exhibited are Thai art and abstract art, successfully illustrating Thawan Duchanee’s creativity.
2. Animal Bones and Skins
The Baan Dam Museum is filled with various exhibits, but displaying animal bones and skins is one of the most eye-catching. The museum has a large display of crocodile skins, buffalo horns, and other animal pelts and remains used by Thawan Duchanee in his art.
3. Traditional Thai Architecture
The museum’s structures are a clear fusion of Thai culture and the contemporary world. The structures are built using wooden materials and have elaborate designs and patterns that display the talents of Thai artists.
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Baan Dam Entrance Fee & Museum Timing
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The Baan Dam Museum entrance fee typically ranges from 80 to 100 Thai Baht (THB) but is subject to change. So, checking the latest information on the museum’s official website before planning your visit is advised. Special discounts are available for students, seniors, and possibly groups. Baan Dam Museum typically opens at 9 AM and remains open until 5 PM. It is best to visit in the morning or evening to escape from the crowds. However, visitors should know that the museum’s operating hours may change in response to special events or exhibitions.
How To Reach Baan Dam Museum
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The Baan Dam Museum, or the Black House, is extraordinary in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is situated in a beautiful garden and occupies more than forty buildings, where the works of a famous Thailand artist, Thawan Duchanee, are exhibited. The museum is located in Mueang Chiang Rai, in the province of Chiang Rai. One can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk from the city centre to the museum. On the other hand, you can hire a car and visit the museum as part of a guided tour.
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The Baan Dam Museum is an interesting site that tells a lot about the people and art of Thailand. As you roam around the structures and tour its spectacular displays, you will find yourself in a realm where the old and the new meet. For a lover of art and culture, a trip to Thailand will not be complete without a visit to this magical museum. Stay enchanted with the colours of Lanna, and let the Baan Dam Museum touch your heart and soul.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baan Dam Museum
Can visitors photograph the museum buildings and some exhibits?
Taking photos is allowed in most parts of the museum enclosures while in some galleries, it is prohibited.
How long does it take to tour the museum?
Around 1 to 2 hours should be enough to explore the museum.
Is there a gift shop or cafe within the museum?
Yes, there is a small cafe to relax and a gift shop to buy souvenirs.
How many buildings are there in the museum?
The museum houses more than 40 structures, with the main building serving as Thawan Duchanee's residence and studio.
Is it possible to have a guided tour of the Baan Dam Museum?
Indeed, there are guided services in English but they cost a little more than the basic price.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
