The Interactive Museum Siam (part 1)

Posted by paul on August 14th, 2008 filed in Bangkok, Culture & customs, Top attractions

Long lines of students can hardly wait to enter this unusual facility. Inside they are greeted by scenes rarely witnessed: Adults touching everything from the wooden toys to the artefacts; children running around and punching on the maps and screens. This is Museum Siam, the nation’s first interactive museum.

With its classical Italian architecture enveloping modern design touches, the former Commerce Ministry is a visual treat. Three bronze arches front the 80-year old building to welcome visitors into the exhibition. The arches take visitors right back to the beginning of our civilisation in the Bronze Age, explains Asst Prof Pajarie Chintamnit, deputy director.

The Interactive Museum Siam in Bangkok is a must visit for history and culture buffs.

Their arrangement guides visitors towards the entrance and into the exhibition rooms. Here questions pop up everywhere to get you thinking: Why did the kingdom’s name change from Siam to Thailand?; What is “Thai” anyway?; Where was Suvarnabhumi?(not the airport); What was sold at Ayutthaya’s fresh market.

Divided into 17 rooms, the museum combines an engaging style with fascinating content. After asking us what makes us Thai, the tour provides answers with a voyage back to the ancient land of Suvarnabhumi. From here we find out who we were in Siam and have become Thailand. Guide to Bangkok museums

No time traveller likes to be side-tracked, so the details in each room have either been kept short or rounded off with a question. The goal is to fire the visitors’ imagination and keep them thirsty for more knowledge.

Don’t expect long tedious explanations neatly placed in front of dusty exhibits in glass showcases. Here you bring the story alive, via toys, touch screens and your own curiosity…

Stay tuned for part 2!