อ่านภาษาไทย
Bangkok Folk Museum, Bang Rak: A Journey Back to the Charm of Old Bangkok
Amidst the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Bangkok, a hidden old house invites us to step back in time and experience the simple yet charming way of life of Bangkok residents in the past. This is the “Bangkok Folk Museum” or “Bangkok Local Museum, Bang Rak District”, located on Charoenkrung Road, Soi 43, Bang Rak District. It is one of the local museums established by a private individual and later transferred to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for care.
This museum serves as an old house that tells the story of the living conditions of middle-class Bangkok residents during the period before and after World War II, approximately from 1937-1957 (B.E. 2480-2500). Professor Waraporn Surawadee, the original owner, intended to donate her house and inherited property from her mother to be a museum for future generations to study.
Explore Valuable Buildings and Exhibits
The Bangkok Folk Museum comprises several well-preserved old wooden buildings (mostly 3-4 houses) surrounded by a lush, tranquil garden, offering a peaceful escape from the outside world.
- Main House (Built in 1937 B.E. 2480): This two-story teak wood house displays various rooms such as the living room, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom, all maintained as if the owners still lived there. Inside, you'll find furniture and various household items influenced by the West, such as antique radios, dressing tables, wardrobes, four-poster beds, antique clocks, and Benjarong porcelain from the reign of King Rama V.
- Second House (Built in 1929 B.E. 2472): Originally a clinic and residence of Dr. Francis Christian, an Indian-British doctor who was Professor Waraporn's stepfather. It displays his personal belongings, such as his cigar collection and antique stoves.
- Third Building: The ground floor showcases kitchenware and daily utensils used by Bangkok residents in the past. The upper floor features an exhibition detailing an overview of Bangkok and the history of the Bang Rak community, including the influence of foreign cultures on this area, along with old photographs and documents.
Visiting this museum feels like stepping into an elder relative's home, learning about the lifestyle and living conditions of Bangkok residents during a period when Bangkok was undergoing changes and absorbing Western influences. Every exhibit piece holds meaning and reflects fascinating history.
Visitor Information
The Bangkok Folk Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Importantly, there is no admission fee, making it an easily accessible historical attraction suitable for anyone interested in learning about the capital's past.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle and delve into the stories of Bangkok's yesteryears, the Bangkok Folk Museum, Bang Rak, is a destination not to be missed.
