Bangkok Fun Museums

Today's 'New Age' museums and libraries are a different species altogether to their predecessors. Gone are the dusty, hushed hallways, 'DO NOT TOUCH' signs (complete with capital letters), scary curators who follow every movement with beady eyes between exhibits of a morbidly stiff glass-eyed fox and pickled coelacanth. Today, the contents are no longer dead remains and the space doesn't feel tomb-like anymore. Actually, these interactive, modern-day museums (exploratoriums) and libraries (hands-on learning centres) have become the places to go if you have savvy at all...

TK Park is a more than a concept, it is the prototype for the modern library. Designed with the 21st Century in mind, it draws inspiration from the likes of Sendai Mediatheque (Japan), Idea Store (England), and the world-famous George Pompidou Centre in Paris. A truly multimedia space, the 'park' includes a Learning Auditorium, TK Inspiration Box, Virtual Reality, Mini Theatres, two IT Workshops, IT Library and Café, TK Music Library, Quiet Room, Children's Room, Reading Park and Mediatheque, Coffee Bar and an Open Square where... (READ MORE)

A visit to this museum destroys all preconceived notions of a museum as a mothball-reeking, dead quiet place with 'do not touch' signs everywhere. Bangkok's Children Discovery Museum actually encourages a hands-on approach to learning. By presenting interactive displays, it calls on a 'discovery learning process', whereby children enter the experience and participate in the process of learning rather than remaining a passive (and bored) viewer - a perfect place for inquisitive young minds to figure things out for themselves, as well as for tinier tots just wanting to touch everything. (READ MORE)

Aiming to both educate and excite, the Science Centre for Education near Ekkamai is the place to bring the kids if you want them to learn about science and technology, natural history, the environment and space in informal surroundings. The Science Museum aims to open the door on scientific experimentation and discovery with special events, lectures and discussions on science, astrology and related subjects. The Planetarium has a giant projection of the solar system and a section on the life of stars. On top of that the Aquatic World, Nature and the Environment area, Health Science area and Children's Discovery House can all be explored.

The Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum houses an interesting collection of Thai and foreign dolls made by the local factory, making it fun for Thai culture enthusiasts and children alike. Both modern and antique items are on display, and you can see for yourself how the ancient practice of making dolls has been passed down over the decades. There's also a shop where you can purchase your favourite doll.

Admission: Free
Location: 85 Soi Ratchataphan, Ratchataphan Road, Pratunam
Open: 08:00 - 17:00 (Monday - Saturday)