Chiang Mai City Art & Cultural Center

One of the small courtyards of the Cultural Center.

 
In the center of the old walled city, behind the monument to the Three Kings, stands the old provincial hall. The hall was built in 1924 when the government in Bangkok decided to exert full control over the former Lanna kingdom, which up to then had been an autonomous region of Siam. The hall stands on the site of a palace of one of the former princes of Chiang Mai. Lanna palaces were typically built of wood, and each successive king would usually tear down the previous ruler's buildings and build his own.

Requiring more space, the provincial administration was moved to new buildings outside the old city and by 1996 had completely abandoned the old hall. The city administration requested permission to use the building and renovations were completed by 1999.

The permanent exhibits cover the history of Chiang Mai, from the earliest human settlements to the modern city. The old reception room of the governor's office has been fully restored to look as it would have been when important guests visited Chiang Mai.

The rear half of the building is mostly occupied by a large courtyard surrounded by a two storey hallway. This portion of the building houses the offices, temporary exhibits, the museum store and a small coffee shop. The museum store is worth a look. One room displays for sale samples of contemporary works by Chiang Mai artists. Just about every style you can name is represented.

Admission & Hours

The Chiang Mai City Art & Cultural Center is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 8:30 to 17:00. Admission is 90 Baht (2.39 USD).

Three Kings Monument

The Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai.

 
At roughly the center of the walled city, in the district where the former rulers of Chiang Mai built their palaces, stands the monument to the 'Three Kings' -- King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai; his contemporary and reportedly good friend King Ramkamhaeng of Sukothai; and King Ngam Muang of Payao.

According to legend, the three worked together to lay out the city of Chiang Mai. The sculpture has become something of an iconic image representing Chiang Mai. You will see it reproduced in various forms all around the city.

The sculpture stands in front of the old provincial administration building, which now houses the Chiang Mai City Art & Cultural Center.