The Jim Thompson Art Center is situated in a picturesque compound that is also home to the famous Jim Thompson House Museum – definitely one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangkok, sporting vibrant jungle foliage in the heart of the city.
While JTAC serves as an arena for Bangkok’s local and international arts and cultural communities, it has a growing reputation as a space to mingle, interact and exchange dialogues about art.
The centre mounts about three exhibitions a year, each with a lifespan of 4-6 months and usually accompanied by lectures, discussions and educational programmes.
We can vouch from past exhibitions that the works displayed here are excellent, both visually and conceptually. Viewing contemporary art in a traditional teak house definitely adds a new, entrancing twist to an already fulfilling experience.
Jim Thompson House Museum is best for those who love classic and timeless works of art. The museum’s namesake comes from its former owner, Jim Thompson, an American business man who is now legendary in Thailand for revitalising the country’s silk industry.
Thompson was also an avid collector of Southeast Asia art. Attracted by these artists’ subtle craftsmanship and expression, he built a large collection of historical Buddhist statues and traditional Thai paintings made of wood, cloth and paper. His beautiful collection also consists of white and blue porcelain creations from China that made their way into Thailand in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm daily
Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Rd. (BTS National Stadium Station)
Website: jimthompsonartcenter.org
Jim Thompson House Art Center (JTAC) is ranked as one of Prestige’s top 10 art galleries in Bangkok, discover the other 9 here.
