Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
A must for any lover of art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok (MOCA) houses the most comprehensive collection of modern painting and sculpture in Thailand inside a striking, purpose built gallery. The five storeys of MOCA contain over 800 pieces of art collected by communications magnate Boonchai Bencharongkul and showcase the development of Thai fine art since the introduction of modern western concepts. The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday),FineTimepieces and costs 180 baht for the general public. It costs 80 baht for students and for visitors over the age of 60 or under 15, admission is free.
MOCA is everything a world class art gallery should be: thought provoking, beautiful and, in parts, funny. Thailand has, at times, been criticised for ‘sugar coating’ many of the social issues that the country faces, and that is why MOCA is so refreshing: a place where artists are free to explore themes such as religion, corruption, prostitution and the loss of traditional values. All of Thailand’s National Artist recipients have pieces on display and although you could whizz through the gallery in a couple of hours, to really experience it we recommend spending up to four hours here.
Built in 2012, MOCA has been specifically designed to give guests the best possible conditions for appreciating the art on show. Lots of natural light and well-spaced rooms ensure this art gallery is equal to any abroad. There is a coffee shop on the ground floor serving Twining’s tea, hot chocolate and coffee from the Royal Patronage Project which tries to promote fair trade and sustainability. However, the food on offer is severely lacking with only pre-packed sandwiches and biscuits for sale.
While Thailand is renowned for its traditions and culture, there have been few art galleries of international standard to showcase the growing number of world class Thai artists. The Museum Of Contemporary Art in Bangkok is now providing a space in which to display the best of Thai art for everyone to enjoy.
Open: from 10 am to 6 pm (Closed on Monday)
Admission Fee: 180 THB (Student: 80 THB)
Getting There:
MOCA is only reachable by taxi. The five storey building is easy to spot from Vibhavadi Road, but the taxi must go past the museum and make a U-turn on Changwattana Road, travelling back down a small road beside the train tracks.
BTS: Mo Chit (still requires a 10 minute taxi journey)
Address: 499 Moo 3 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd |
click for view map |
Website: www.mocabangkok.com
Email: info@mocabangkok.com
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