Description of the attraction
The National Museum is the main museum in the whole of northern Thailand. The Department of Arts awarded him the title of Center for the Study and Preservation of the Culture of Chiang Mai and the entire territory of Thailand to the north. At the opening on February 6, 1973, the King and Queen kindly agreed to be present.
The building of the museum is made in the traditional style of northern Thailand "Lanna". In 1966, the museum was reconstructed on the occasion of the King's Golden Jubilee, illuminated displays appeared in the halls, more informative material and new exhibits.
In total, the museum has 6 large expositions: Nature of the Lanna Kingdom, including geology, ecology, geography and prehistoric settlements; History of the Lanna Kingdom from the founding of Chiang Mai; Chiang Mai as part of the Kingdom of Siam (later - Thailand); Chiang Mai's trade and economy from 1782 to 1939; Modern life and development of northern Thailand, including agriculture and industry, banking, international relations and health care; The development of Lanna art as well as the art of Thailand from the Dvaravati era to the present day.
The most valuable exhibits of the Chiang Mai National Museum are: a bronze head of Buddha "Phra Saen Swae" in the Lanna style of the XIV-XV century, a bronze statue of Buddha in the pose of "Submitting Maru" in the Lanna style of the XVI-XVII centuries, a painted chest for Buddhist scriptures on wooden tablets XIX century, footprint of Buddha, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and gilding, Sankampeng ceramics of the XIV-XVI centuries.
The Chiang Mai National Museum houses an interesting bookshop with rare publications on the culture and history of Thailand.
