Bangkok Art & Cultural Center (BACC), Bangkok
At the nexus of Bangkok’s burgeoning art scene, the Bangkok Art & Cultural Center (BACC) offers a wide range of contemporary art, film and music from both local and foreign artists. Accessible with as short 3-minute walk from the BTS Nation Stadium Station, it is a definite must to visit for any art fan out there.
Having been plagued by internal politics and issues with a complicated funding process, the Bangkok Art & Cultural Center has been 13 years in the making. Finally, open in 2008, it is committed to be the premier cultural facility in Thailand by playing host to all works of art regardless origin.
Inside the building, its white curving façade and spiral walkways are reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York. With over 4000 square feet of exhibition space, it also houses shops, an art library and cafes, offering visitors an ideal location to rest, relax and even pick up a book! Situated a stone’s throw away from many of Bangkok’s famous shopping malls, the cultural center differentiates itself from the crowd by displaying its many interesting sculptures out on the front square.
The BACC is staffed with English speaking guides and its wide range of exhibits are all explained in English. As with any premier cultural center, older exhibits are replaced with newer ones from time to time. Occasionally, award winning works such as that of photographs and paintings from the Young Thai Asian Award are also put on display, allowing visitors to appreciate the work of young and upcoming Thai artists. For the visitor with an inclination towards international works – contemporary Japanese crafts and The Mekong River Art Project have also been brought in to add a new dimension to the existing exhibits. Rest assured that with every visit, there is always something new and exciting to see here.
The BACC is located right in the centre of Bangkok, by the BTS National Stadium Station. The spacious building has even become a favourite haunt of local students. There is rarely an admission fee and the library at basement level allows anyone to check in for free and enjoy a wide range of books and other artistic materials. Whilst it has not yet reached the calibre of the Louvre in France – the BACC is the best that Thailand has to offer and makes up for it with its plethora of south east Asian exhibits.
Tip: Interested in smaller art galleries in town? Pick up a copy of the Bangkok art map as it provides details pertaining to the location and current exhibitions of those galleries.
The Bangkok Art & Cultural Center is operated daily except Monday from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm with no entry fee.
Booking.com
