Bangkok Commercial & Private Galleries

Bangkok has a small but very vibrant contemporary art scene. Since most of the city's small private or commercial galleries promote Thai and regional artists, a day of gallery hopping is a great way of getting a taste of the local scene. Operating in a relatively unresponsive environment, artists and gallery owners in Bangkok have become quite innovative in their attempts to attract domestic crowds.

Like with many things in Bangkok, you'll soon discover that there is no concentrated art arena and that the city's galleries are pretty much scattered all over town. Hence, if you would like to immerse yourself into Bangkok's contemporary art scene, plan your route in advance. Who knows, you might even return with a piece of contemporary artwork to hang up on your wall.

Named after its street address, 100 Tonson Gallery is a striking space set in a private residence covering a total space of 100 square metres. At the forefront of private art spaces in Bangkok, 100 Tonson Gallery aims to promote of the contemporary art scene and exhibits artworks by Thai and international artists including paintings, sculptures and photographs, as well as installations, new media and conceptual-based art. Swanky and trendy! The gallery is conveniently located in walking distance from BTS Chitlom. Parking is available near the gallery.
Where: 100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330. Tel: +66 0 268 41527. Open: Thursday - Sunday 11.00 am - 07.00pm

Opened as part of the vegetarian restaurant The Tamarind Café - an excellent eatery by the way - Gallery F-Stop is the place to see superb photography and regarded as the premiere photo gallery in Bangkok. Gallery F-Stop exhibits photographic works by local, regional and international artists and displays artworks ranging from black and white, analog to digital, fine art and documentary. Definitely worth a visit, the Tamarind Café presents a pleasant and spacious atmosphere to not only enjoy sumptuous vegetarian dishes but admire art. The gallery and café are located about 300m down Sukhumvit Soi 20. Nearest BTS stations are either Phrom Phong or Asok.

Where: The Tamarind Café, 27 Sukhumvit Soi 20. Tel: +66 0 266 37421 Open: Monday - Friday 03.00 pm to midnight; Saturday & Sunday 10.00 am to midnight.

Established in 1999, H Gallery specialises in contemporary art and exhibits the works of emerging Thai and Asian artists. Located in the heart of Bangkok, H Gallery is set in a 125-year-old Anglo-Thai mansion and exudes a calm and friendly atmosphere. Two separate exhibition spaces are available in the minimalist two-storey gallery displaying paintings, photography and textiles. Exhibitions are held regularly, often monthly.

Where: 201 Sathorn Soi 12, 10500 Bangkok. Tel: +66 0 131 04428. Open: Thursday - Saturday 12.00 am to 06.00 pm. Sunday - Wednesday by appointment or by chance.

The place represents talented Thai and Asian artists; it also features inspiring paintings and sculptures in its regular art exhibitions. La Lanta houses an extensive selection of international art prints for home decoration. Adult art classes at beginner and advanced levels are also provided, which conducted in small groups by experienced artists. Moreover, art related products such as notebooks and art frames to enrich your home collection and lifestyle are brought to you as well.

Where: 657 Baan Silom (corner of Silom 19), Silom Road, Bangkok (Sky Train "Surasak" station, Tel: +66 0 2 266 9180 to 1, Fax: +66 0 2 266 9181 When: Tuesday - Sunday from 10.00 am - 09.00 pm

The Queen's Gallery opened in 2003 in response to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's initiative to create a permanent public space to exhibit and promote the works of both established and up-and-coming Thai artists. Set in a five-storey building, the gallery covers 3,700 square metres of minimalist space to showcase permanent as well as changing exhibitions.

Where: 101 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (near Phan Fah Bridge. Tel: +66 0 228 15360-1. Open: Daily 10.00 am - 07.00 pm; closed Wednesday Admission: 20 baht

Located at the colonial style Neilson Hays Library, the Rotunda Gallery is a beautiful, compact and circular room that has become a popular exhibition space for Thai and international artists. Monthly exhibitions showcase all sorts of art forms and styles.

Where: Neilson Hays Library, 195 Suriwongse Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel: +66 0 223 31731. Open: Tuesday - Sunday 09.30 am - 04.00 pm

With two small and intimate floors, Surapon Gallery is a commercial gallery promoting contemporary Thai artists.

Where: 1/F Tisco Tower, 48/3 North Sathorn Road. Tel: +66 0 221 82964. Open: Monday - Friday 10.00 am - 07.00 pm, Sunday 12.00 am - 06.00 pm.

Ta means eyes and du means to look in Thai, so Tadu Gallery is a place where you get pleasure from what you see. The space exhibits and promotes Thai contemporary art and culture. The gallery also presents performances, films and workshops. Tadu holds six multi-disciplinary art exhibitions annually.

Where: 7/F Barcelona Motors Bldg., 99/2 Tiamruammit Rd. Tel: +66 0 264 52473.

This contemporary art gallery primarily promotes art from Thailand, Vietnam and Burma, hence the name Thavibu, but also presents works from other Asian countries. The venue regularly organises exhibitions.

Where: Silom Galleria Building, 3rd Floor, Suite 308, 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel: +66 0 226 6545-4. Open: Tuesday - Saturday 11.00 am - 07.00 pm; Sunday 12.00 am - 06.00 pm 

Founded in 2001, this gallery specialises in Chinese contemporary art. On 330 square metres, Tang Gallery exhibits all types of art including portraits, landscapes and abstracts, oil, acrylic, watercolour, painted photography, woodcuts, sculptures, and prints. Monthly exhibitions feature both successful Chinese and Thai artists.

Where: Unit B-28, The Silom Galleria, 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. Tel: +66 0 263 01114. Open: Monday - Satturday 11.00 am - 19.00 am 

Located near the port, this private university gallery regularly exhibits young emerging as well as established Thai artists. This place tends to display more experimental multidisciplinary art.

Where: 3/F Building 9, Kluaynam Thai Campus, Rama IV Rd. Tel: +66 0 235 0350. Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9.30 am - 07.00 pm

Considered the most progressive university gallery, the large open space at Chulalongkorn Art Centre attracts some of Thailand's most cutting-edge artists, as well as thematic group exhibitions by both local and international artists.

Where: 7/F Centre of Academic Resources Bldg., Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Rd. Nearest BTS: Siam. Tel: +66 0 221 8296-5. Open: Monday - Friday 09.00 am - 07.00 pm; Saturday 09.00 - 08.00 pm