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Say “Thailand” and most people’s brains jump to temples, tuk-tuks, and beaches that look suspiciously like Windows wallpapers. Fair enough. But if you’re itching to slip behind the postcard version and catch Thailand in its 21st-century skin, consider wandering over to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok). Bangkok’s full of hidden gems, and this one’s no exception.
Located in Bangkok, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok) opened its doors in 2012, the passion project of Boonchai Bencharongkul, a Thai business mogul with a soft spot for creativity. Today, it stands as one of the biggest contemporary art museums in all of Asia, packed with works from some of Thailand’s most celebrated artists.
Professor Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern art in Thailand
MOCA Bangkok’s purpose was to keep Thai art alive, shared, and passed forward to the next generation. It’s also a tribute to Professor Silpa Bhirasri, the Italian-born father of modern art in Thailand, who was instrumental in founding today’s Silpakorn University.
MOCA sits a little outside Bangkok’s usual tourist bubble, tucked away at 499 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road in Lad Yao, Chatuchak, which is about 15 km from the city center. If you spot the twin glass towers of the Benchachinda Holding Building, you’re basically there.
The museum is located on the outskirts of Bangkok
There are a couple of options to get to MOCA Bangkok:
MOCA Bangkok is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and takes a day off on Mondays.
Tickets are 300 THB for adults and 120 THB for students. If you’re coming as a group, the price can drop a bit with prior arrangements. There might be a few discounts floating around, but the staff won’t always mention them, so if you think you might qualify, go ahead and ask. No harm in trying.
MOCA Bangkok brings together artwork inspired by traditional Thai expression and pieces shaped by Western artistic styles and techniques. Inside its 20,000 square meters of bright, open space, you’ll find around 800 works selected from Boonchai Bencharongkul’s private collection. It’s a clean and well-lit setting that lets the art speak for itself.
Add a stop at MOCA Bangkok for a look at 21st-century Thailand
There are five floors in MOCA Bangkok, each dedicated to a different theme of art. The 1st floor features National Artists & Temporary Exhibitions. The overall vibe leans heavily toward sculpture and the foundational figures of modern Thai art.
The 2nd floor focuses on Life, Society & Mixed Media, with artworks reflecting modern Thai life, culture, and social issues. The 3rd floor shifts into a more playful, vibrant, story-driven zone of modern Thai art with fantasy elements. A highlight here is The House of Phimphilalai, inspired by the classic Thai epic Khun Chang Khun Paen.
The 4th floor presents an extensive collection of philosophical works with a strong national-heritage tone, including the three monumental paintings, “Heaven, Middle Earth, and Hell”, by Budtarad, Vijinthanasarn, and Kochabua. And finally, the 5th floor displays a mix of modern and classical artworks by international artists.
MOCA Bangkok's artwork on display
Most visitors would spend around 1–2 hours exploring the museum. The building is large but often very quiet, which is enjoyable if you prefer a calm atmosphere. In fact, you may even encounter more staff than visitors.
Since MOCA Bangkok has no audio guide available, if you want more insightful context when observing the artworks, guided tours are available for groups, but you’ll need to request them prior to your visit.Please note that much of the collection at MOCA Bangkok focuses on Thai mythology, Buddhism, fantasy, erotic themes, and highly polished realism. Therefore, if you prefer conceptual, political, experimental, or international contemporary art, this museum may not match your taste.
Taxi drivers often have no idea where this place is, so definitely keep the Thai address or a map pin ready to flash. And when you hop into a taxi or tuk-tuk, make sure the driver actually knows where they’re going, don’t just trust the nod.
Also, budget some extra time for the journey. It’s surprisingly easy to get lost on the way, and half the experience might end up being the quest to find the museum itself.
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As of the latest update, MOCA Bangkok accepts Visa and MasterCard only, with a minimum card payment of 500 THB. Because of this, it’s best to carry some Thai baht in cash to avoid issues when paying for tickets or arranging transportation afterward.
MOCA Bangkok would make a great side quest on your Thailand tour
Please also note that the museum does not provide public Wi-Fi, except inside MOCA Café on the ground floor, so make sure your mobile data is working before you arrive.
The usual museum restrictions apply here as well, so do keep them in mind. Bags larger than A4 aren’t allowed in the exhibition areas, and food or drinks are only permitted inside MOCA Café on the ground floor. Flash photography, selfie sticks, tripods, and drones are also off-limits.
If you’re unsure about anything, just check with the staff, and they’ll set you straight.
A visit to MOCA Bangkok might just be the perfect extra stop to add to your Bangkok itinerary. If you’re into contemporary art, definitely check this one out. And for more inspo for upcoming travels, take a look below at our curated collection of Bangkok tours!
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