Khao Yai Art Museums: Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Art
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When it comes to tourism in Khao Yai, most people tend to think of natural attractions. However, in reality, there is the Khao Yai Art Museum which is equally interesting as those in Bangkok and is waiting for everyone to come and visit. If you have the chance to visit museums Khao Yai, which has a total of three places, namely the Khao Yai Art Museum, 129 Art Museum, and Prammika Art Gallery Khao Yai these art museums are collections of artworks from many teachers and artists located in the same place.
1. Khao Yai Art Museum
The Khao Yai Art Museum showcases the artwork of Khun Pongsak Jindasook, the CEO of the Sanwa brand, a bottled water company. The exhibition includes paintings and sculptures by renowned artists such as Thawan Duchanee, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Chuang Moolpinit,Chalong Nimmalee, Prateung Emjaroen, Prayad Pongdam, and Preecha Thaothong, as well as many emerging artists. Each piece is beautiful in its own way. For those who are concerned about the Khao Yai Art Museum entrance fee, there’s no admission fee needed. Here’s what interesting about this Khao Yai Art Museum:
Art exhibition zone
Due to the variety of artworks, Khao Yai Art Museum has divided the exhibition zones into outdoor and indoor areas.
The outdoor zone
The outdoor zone amidst a large grass field, there are sculptures arranged in a row. Each artwork is labeled with the name of the artist and the name of the work, and includes various shapes and elements that are combined in each piece. It captivates viewers to think and interpret the meaning that the creator wants to convey. Even though the Khao Yai Art Museum outdoor zone is in an open space, it allows visitors to walk and enjoy viewing each artwork.
The indoor zone
Khao Yai Art Museum indoor zone consists of three exhibition rooms including:
- Starting with the first room, the paintings are created using various techniques with different coloring in each piece. Most of them are created on canvases and some have frames while others don’t. They are mostly contemporary works that invite viewers to search for hidden meanings.
- Another room features a mixed exhibition of paintings and sculptures. The spacious hall has paintings hanging on the walls, but upon closer inspection, some of the paintings have impressive details created by embossed or raised patterns made of sculpture material. This creates a three-dimensional effect that enhances the paintings.
- The last room is a collection of artworks by master artists, such as Thawan Duchanee, Chalermchai Kositpipat, Chuang Moolpinit,Chalong Nimmalee, Prateung Emjaroen, Prayad Pongdam, and Preecha Thaothong,, among others. Anyone who visits the Khao Yai Art Museum would find it well worth their time.
Artistic Cafe and Souvenir Shop
On the second floor of the beautiful and impressive art exhibitions at Khao Yai Art Museum, there are both an art cafe and a souvenir shop to visit before leaving. As you walk out of the exhibition room towards the cafe, you will encounter art pieces displayed along the way.
When you reach the cafe, you’ll notice that it’s decorated with a loft or exposed brick style that matches the museum’s artistic vibe. The cafe also has clear glass windows that offer beautiful views of nature, including trees, lakes, and mountains, making it a great place to relax after viewing the art.
For visitors who want to bring home a lasting impression from the museum in Khao Yai, the souvenir shop offers small and unique items that are perfect for personal use or as a gift for loved ones.
Address and Opening Hours
Address: Baan Tha Chang, Moo 6, Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Location: Khao Yai Art Museum
Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: http://khaoyai-artmuseum.com/
2. 129 Art Museum
129 Art Museum is the art museum in Khao Yai that showcases the artwork collection of Yaovanut Niranrat, the owner of St. Andrews International School and representative of Christian’s (Thailand) Company. She spent more than 30 years collecting the exhibited works, which consist of 400 pieces of exceptional artworks from both Thai and foreign artists, including national artists and teacher-level painters such as Thawan Duchanee, Chakrabhand Posayakrit, Poyakrit Poocharoen, Fua Haripitak, and Phra Sorralucklikit (the first Thai national artist who graduated from Italy) as well as Pablo Picasso, and many others.
All of the artworks on display are valuable and some of them are rare. With her love and admiration for art, Khun Yaovanut has intended to preserve these artworks and brought them to be exhibited in this museum, as a part of the national art history that makes Thai people proud. This art museum in Khao Yai is open for art enthusiasts to visit and appreciate the exhibited works, and to inspire those who have a passion for creating art, physically and mentally, to move forward and create their own masterpieces.
The admission fee for 129 Art Museum is 300 Baht, and 150 Baht for students.
Art exhibition zone
At the 129 Art Museum, there are two exhibition buildings including:
1. The Permanent Exhibition Building (Contemporary Bldg.)
In this zone of Khao Yai museum showcases works from 55 artists that tell the history of Thai art from the 5th reign onwards. The works include those by Phra Sorralucklikit, the first Thai artist to study in Italy, works by the renowned artist Professor Silpa Bhirasri, as well as works by national and well-known artists.
2. The Temporary Exhibition Building (Modern Bldg.)
In this zone of Khao Yai museum showcases works by 54 artists, featuring modern and contemporary art from the 1970s onwards. The exhibited works include those by Monthian Boonma, Ittipol Thangchalok, Decha Warashoon and other contemporary artists such as Chatchai Puipia, Warawoot Shusaengthong, Natee Utarit, Prasong Luemuang, Panya Vijinthanasarn. In addition, the exhibition displays video art and NFT (Non-Fungible Token) works by Kamin Leartchaiprasert and Sakwut Wisesmanee.
Each building has rooms that are divided according to the type of exhibition which are:
- National Artists: exhibiting a total of 29 artists’, such as Prof. Silpa Bhirasri, Thawan Duchanee, Chakrabhand Posayakrit, Fua Haripitak, Chalerm Nakiraks, and Montien Boonma, among others. This Khao Yai museum has a variety of works on display, including paintings and sculptures.
- Prof. Silpa Bhirasri (Corrado Feroci): The room showcasing the works features sculptures that resemble the likeness of M.R. Satis Kridakorn. The sculpture is 23 centimeters tall and uses a bronze casting technique.
- Pablo Picasso Room: displaying The Madoura Collection, which is a collection of 10 pieces of ceramic artwork created by world-renowned artists.
- Toy Room: also known as the Gundam Room, is an exhibition room that showcases over 1,000 figures, from the earliest era to the present day, belonging to GEN. Dr. Vidthya Chovichien, for those who enjoy Gumdam and want to see the figures up close.
Address and Opening Hours
Address: 129 Thanarat Rd., Ban Tiou Khao-Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Location: 129 ART MUSEUM
Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: http://129artmuseum.com/
3. Prammika Art Gallery
Prammika Art Gallery, founded by art enthusiast Premmika Prutinanarakorn, is located in the Kensington Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima. The gallery features charming English-style architecture, set amidst scenic mountains and lush flower gardens. The gallery houses over 200 permanent art pieces and hosts rotating exhibitions year-round. Notable artists include Dr. Raweewan Prakobpol with Acrylic on Canvas works and Thandorn Prakobpol with Digital Sketch art.
This Khaoyai Art museum aims to offer a diverse range of artistic experiences, providing visitors with fresh perspectives while enjoying art in a serene and enchanting atmosphere. Entrance fee to Prammika Art Gallery is free.
Address and Opening Hours
Address: Wang Katha, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
Location: Prammika Art Gallery Khaoyai
Opening Hours: Everyday from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/prammikagallery/
Summary
Visiting Khao Yai Art Museums for an art-focused trip is another option for travelers. It is perfect for art enthusiasts or those interested in anything related to art. You can stroll through the museum to admire the artworks, letting the art lead your thoughts and ease your mind, or you can follow the thoughts and emotions of each artwork. It’s also a great place for artists or anyone who loves to create art, to gather inspiration for their future works.
However, there’s not only Khao Yai museums, but also many other activities in Khao Yai waiting for you to explore, such as at Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club, where you can try various activities such as horse riding, golfing, biking, and driving ATV, etc. This will give you a new experience for your Khao Yai trip.