Description

The Chiang Mai National Museum was officially opened to the public on 6 February 1973, in a ceremony presided over by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. The building itself was constructed using the traditional Lanna style of architecture.

The museum serves as a research center for the conservation and dissemination of knowledge about the history, culture, and traditions of Chiang Mai and the Northern provinces, called Lanna. There are 3 floors, each of which displays items and artifacts related to Lanna Thai culture and arts, with descriptions in both English and Thai. Examples are Lanna Buddha statues, Buddha statues from the Chiang Saen era, wood carved objects, Northern wares including everyday life objects of Lanna and tribal peoples, and historic photographs of the Kingdom of
Chiang Mai.

Presenter:Rebecca Weldon

Raised in Laos, with a background in anthropology and the philosophy of museums, Rebecca Weldon has lived most of her life in northern Thailand, working with and advising museums in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. In May, 2026 she gave a talk titled “Museums in Chiang Mai: Their Role in the Preservation and Communication of Natural and Cultural Heritage” which gave an overview of the topic. This visit to the Chiang Mai National Museum is the first in our series of museum excursions which relate to that talk.

COST : 400 THB