House of Museums, Bangkok: An Authoritative Tour Guide
Nestled in Thawi Watthana’s leafy suburbs, the House of Museums is Bangkok’s best‐kept secret—a sprawling private collection that transports you back to mid‑20th‑century Thailand. Whether you’re a history buff, a retro‑design enthusiast, or simply looking for an off‑the‑beaten‑path adventure, this quirky museum offers a nostalgic journey through vintage shops, household items and childhood toys.
📍 Location & Getting There
- Address: 672/1 Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 52, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok
- By Car: A 30‑minute drive from downtown; parking available on‑site.
- By BTS + Taxi: Take the Silom Line to Bang Wa Station, then a 15‑minute taxi ride west.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM–6 PM
- Admission: ฿150 per adult; ฿80 for students; free for children under 7.
🏛 History & Architecture
Founded in 1989 by National Artist Anek Nawigamune and his wife Wanna, the House of Museums began as a passion project to preserve everyday Thai life from decades past. Set across two adjacent teak‑wood buildings:
- Main Building: Three floors of immersive street‑shop replicas
- Annex: Ground‑floor displays of toys, radios, bicycles and more Tour Bangkok Legacies
The detailed wooden façades, hand‑painted signs and period‑correct roof tiles evoke the charm of a small provincial town in the 1950s.
🎨 Highlights & Collections
- Retro Shopfronts: Step into meticulously recreated grocery, barber and tailor shops, complete with authentic signage and glass display cases.
- Childhood Corner: Browse old schoolbooks, tin toys and vintage bicycles that stir memories of a simpler time.
- Household Relics: Admire mid‑century radios, rotary phones and manual typewriters—all in working order.
- Community Gallery: Rotating exhibitions spotlight local artisans and vintage‑collectibles markets. nationthailand
📸 Photo Tips
- Golden Hour: Late afternoon sunlight streams through the wooden slats, creating dramatic shadows—perfect for Instagram.
- Close‑ups: Capture the patina on an old radio dial or the faded lettering on a shop sign.
- Wide Shots: Stand back to encompass an entire façade for architectural context.
💡 Visitor Tips
- Guided Tours: English‑language tours available at 11 AM and 3 PM—book in advance.
- Snack Stall: Try street‑style coffee and coconut pancakes sold at the museum entrance.
- Souvenir Shop: Vintage‑style postcards, enamel mugs and replica shop signs.
- Accessibility: Main building has a ramp; annex is ground level.
🔑 Why Visit?
- Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path: Escape the crowds at the Grand Palace and explore a hidden gem.
- Cultural Immersion: Gain insight into everyday life in post‑war Thailand.
- Perfect for Families: Kids love the toy displays; elders relish the nostalgia.
- Unique Backdrops: Ideal for creative photography and film shoots.
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
- Bang Krachao “Green Lung”: A bike‑friendly island of mangroves and elevated walkways.
- Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market: Local delicacies and handicrafts, open weekends.
- Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: A riverside temple known for its giant white stupa.
Discover why the House of Museums is a must‑visit for anyone seeking an authentic glimpse of Thailand’s recent past—earthy, evocative and endlessly charming. Pack your sense of wonder, and get ready for a journey through time!