Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

The Bangkok Art and Culture opened recently, we do not now when, it is not even mentioned on their website as far as we can tell. We do remember that for years there were occasional reports in the English-language newspapers, suggesting a lot of political discussions and haggling behind the scenes.

Anyway, it is there now, and located in a central position on the Pathumwan Intersection. Across the street on one side is MBK center, on the other side Siam Discovery. It can easily be reached from the National Stadium skytrain station, and there is a pedestrian bridge connecting the walkway from the station, with the Art and Culture centre.

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, as seen from the a pedestrian bridge.

The building itself can hardly be admired from the outside (the picture taken above can only be taken from one precise point on a pedestrian walkway), because the ugly skytrain construction is all around it. There is a small square in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, with a few colorful displays.

The centre is about 8 storeys tall. A the first three of four floors, there are various smaller art outlets, shops, with lots of the space still unoccupied. Programs for art, music, theatre, film, design, and cultural-educational are scheduled to take place.

On the upper floors, there is an ongoing exhibition of art works and art installations. It is all modern art by the way, and Bangkok clearly needed a centre for modern art. Mostly young people at present seem to enjoy the scene. People enjoy taking pictures of the displays outside. Inside however, photography is not allowed on the upper floors, where the art is exhibited. We sneaked a video camera in, and started making a little movie, but were soon caught in the act, and had to stop our effort.

Two giant 'girls' guard the entrance. They are called 1914 and 1939, referring to the beginning of both World Wars.

Since it can easily be reached, and hopefully the art exhibitions will change over time, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, may become a good place to hang out from time to time. And a marvellous thing is that going inside and having a look, doesn't cost a thing. If there are scheduled movies, lectures, and theatre plays in the future, you'll likely have to pay admission fees.

Some colorful displays on the little square in front of the buidling.

Bangkok Art and Culture website (also in English)

A look upwards from the atrium below.