Comprising 20,000 square metres of all-white floor space with a café, bookshop and small sculpture garden, it is home to the world-class collection of MOCA’s founder, Boonchai Bencharongkul, and is unmissable.
More than 800 examples of the finest works of eminent contemporary Thai artists, spanning three decades, are arranged over six floors apart from the fifth floor where works of art from other countries, including Italy, Norway and Russia, are displayed along with classic works in the Richard Green room. This room, which feels altogether more European, showcases Romantic period paintings from the collection of Richard Green, the London gallerist.
MOCA is extremely well laid out, the environment is calm and peaceful – a special creative refuge from the full-on pulse of this densely populated city. Built in 2012 it is located a certain distance out of town so we suggest a full half-day should be set aside to get there (bearing in mind Bangkok’s traffic) and to immerse oneself in the creative output of the many fascinating and eminent artists in the collection. Note that the museum closes on Monday and is otherwise open Tuesday through Sunday between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00. There is a small entrance fee.
Art aficionados might also consider visiting The Queen’s Gallery for the works of emerging Thai artists; and La Lanta, in the commercial district of Watthana, for internationally acclaimed contemporary artists, with a ‘Young Program’ identifying the ideas of new youthful artists.
For the local Thai art scene there is Toot Young Gallery also focusing on emerging artists; Chulalongkorn Art Centre, an impressive university gallery attracting cutting edge local and international names; Kathmandu Photo Gallery and Bangkok CityCity Gallery.
Few visitors to Bangkok realise how much there is to see in the art world in this heaving metropolis of temples, palaces, markets, shopping and business. There are also several great dining options. One week will just about scratch the surface so, if you have the time, we consider it highly worthwhile.
It will be especially rewarding with VIP services to escort you quickly through the airport; a great car and driver to take you wherever you want to go, a guide to illuminate what you see and an expert curator at hand to talk about the art. With the luxury and comfort of a Pool River Suite at our favourite boutique hotel, and a butler taking care of your every whim, you will love Bangkok.
To have it all meticulously planned and curated, contact us.