Museum Siam

Museum Siam is a discovery museum on Sanam Chai Road in Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. Housed in the former Ministry of Commerce building, a neoclassical structure built in 1921-1922, it is operated by the National Discovery Museum Institute. The museum explores Thai identity and history through interactive, modern museology rather than traditional artifact display, making it notable for its engaging approach to Thai culture.

Visitors can expect a modern, interactive museum inside a restored European-style heritage building near Sanam Chai MRT Station. The interior features multimedia installations, interactive displays, and immersive rooms covering the permanent exhibition 'Decoding Thainess' which traces Thai history, beliefs and identity. Visitors can explore themed exhibition rooms, temporary exhibitions, a museum shop and cafe, and the surrounding historic streetscape near Wat Pho and the Grand Palace.

The building was constructed between 1921 and 1922 during the reign of King Rama VI to house the Ministry of Commerce, designed by Italian architect Ercole Manfredi in European neoclassical style. It served as a government office for decades before being restored and repurposed as Museum Siam, which opened in 2007 under the National Discovery Museum Institute to serve as a modern discovery museum.

Museum Siam is dedicated to exploring and interpreting 'Thainess' - Thai identity, culture, history and way of life - through contemporary museology. It presents the development of the Thai people from past to present, including beliefs, traditions, and social changes, serving as an educational and cultural learning centre for Thai and international visitors.