“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” 

This famous quote from Pablo Picasso exemplifies one of the fundamental values of art: it has a profound healing property that helps us overcome the difficulties we face in our daily lives. Art unquestionably serves as a conduit through which beauty and aesthetics are communicated globally, bringing countless individuals pleasure, peace, and happiness. 

Thailand has a thriving art scene, resulting in an increasing number of art galleries, particularly in Bangkok’s commercial and tourist areas, such as Silom, Bangrak, Song Wat Road, Yaowarat, and Sukhumvit. As a result, you may discover some of the finest contemporary art in Thailand while getting to know the capital’s trendiest neighborhoods. The best part is still to come; none of the art galleries listed below charge an admission fee.

Arts at the historic commerce hub: Bangrak

Bangrak, located on the picturesque banks of the Chao Phraya River, is a historic district that was previously the city’s commerce hub. Bangkok’s first road, Charoenkrung Road, was built in Bangrak. This historic district has a charm found only in neighborhoods with diverse populations and cultures. The art in this district also reflects this captivating aspect.

ATT 19 is housed in a building that was once a 120-year-old school. Beautifully renovated into an open, mixed-use venue, it hosts art exhibitions on cultural themes like gender challenges, generation gaps, mental health, and more. The gallery offers artists a platform to share their individual narratives through its distinctive curatorial style.

Locations: Captain Bush Lane, Soi Charoen Krung 30

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11.00-18.00 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ATT19.BKK/

The creator of Warehouse 30 has renovated seven old warehouses and transformed them into a creative community space while retaining the original structural features, namely the steel frames and zinc sheets painted in shades of orange and grey. Divided into different zones, this trendy art space has art galleries featuring works by Thai and international artists, clothing shops, restaurants, cafes, a vintage shop, a furniture showroom, and a spa. Different features of Warehouse 30 are combined to create a social space for individuals of diverse tastes, lifestyles, and backgrounds. 

Location: Captain Bush Lane, Soi Charoen Krung 30

Opening hours: Every day, 07.00–01.00 

Website: https://www.warehouse30.com/

River City Bangkok is one of Bangkok’s arts and antiques centers. It regularly holds exhibitions by renowned Thai and international artists. Art and antique enthusiasts can attend for free, and they may have the opportunity to meet the artists in person. Periodically, contemporary Thai art and antiques are auctioned off.

Location: Soi Charoen Krung 24

Opening hours: Every day, 10.00–20.00 

Website: https://rivercitybangkok.com

Arts in Chinatown: Yaowarat and Song Wat Road 

The neighborhoods of Yaowarat and Song Wat Road date back hundreds of years, when the largest market in Bangkok stood alongside some of the city’s oldest buildings. The architectural styles in this area—traditional Thai, NeoclassicalTeochew, Gothic, and Colonial—all reflect the roots of its residents, resulting in a harmonious fusion of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 

Over the Influence, a world-renowned art gallery has picked Bangkok’s Chinatown as one of its locations. It is well-known for showcasing the work of acclaimed contemporary artists and street artists worldwide. Moreover, this art gallery also welcomes artists of various mediums and disciplines to showcase their works. They have a roster of compelling art, ranging from colorful minimalist graphic arts, mixed media pop arts, and expressionist paintings. Undoubtedly, Over the Influence has contributed to Bangkok’s Chinatown’s growth as a cultural and creative hub.

Location: Odeon Circle, Samphanthawong District

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11.00-20.00

Website: https://overtheinfluence.com/

PLAY art house is a new art gallery located in an old neighborhood. There is a monthly rotation of art exhibitions by Thai and international artists, encompassing all kinds of concepts and art forms, including Neo-surrealism, abstract, lifestyle paintings, photography, and more. In addition, they occasionally organize performance art events that portray stories with cultural implications against the backdrop of the artwork on display. 

Location: Song Wat Road 

Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10.00–18.00 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/playarthouse/

Arts in the Central Business District: Silom and Sathorn

The Silom-Sathorn neighborhood is centrally located in Bangkok and serves as the city’s primary business center. It houses numerous skyscrapers and corporate headquarters, including MahaNakhon, the country’s tallest skyscraper. Visitors can find tranquility among the many art galleries that dot this busy neighborhood.

Number 1 Gallery is an art gallery-cum-cafe that provides visitors with great art and food in a convenient location. Founded nearly two decades ago, it features a rotating collection of artworks on the first Saturday of each month. Many of the arts on display, both from Thai and international artists, revolve around spirituality and neo-contemporary arts. The venue is a building with lofty ceilings and several connecting areas, representing art as a common language that unites people from all walks of life. 

Location: Silom soi 21, Bangrak district 

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 11.00–19.00

Website: number1gallery.com

Bangkok CityCity Gallery opened its doors more than ten years ago as a community of art enthusiasts, providing opportunities for like-minded people to mingle and share their experiences. The gallery showcases a diverse range of Thai and international artists, such as the well-known street artist Alex Face, within a warm and inviting environment. As a result, visitors tend to feel as if they are admiring the arts in their homes. This conveys that art should be open for all to see and appreciate, not just a select few. 

Location: Sathorn soi 1

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 13.00–18.00

Website: bangkokcitycity.com

Arts in the vibrant tourist area: Sukhumvit

Thanks to its countless hotels, restaurants, cafes, street food, shopping malls, and various entertainment and nightlife venues, Sukhumvit has long been a popular tourist destination. 

Tucked away in this chic neighborhood is an art gallery that has captured the attention of art connoisseurs, both Thais and foreigners alike. 

SAC Gallery was founded eleven years ago and focuses on providing opportunities for young artists to present their work to a larger audience. It also advocates sustainable arts, which promote living in harmony with nature. In addition to showcasing art, SAC Gallery aims to help Thai artists gain international recognition. The arts’ conceptions and mediums differ, ranging from realism to abstraction. 

Location: Sukhumvit soi 39

Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11.00–18.00

Website: https://sac.gallery/