Bangkok is a city that is extremely proud of its heritage and has many monuments and cultural icons to demonstrate this. In addition the city has approximately 184 museums that are dedicated to Thai history and culture as much as they are to great works of art. Many of the museums are palace oriented and reflect the great royal history and its prominent characters. The Suan Pakked Palace Museum is an excellent example of this. It is the former home of Prince Chumbhot and his wife Rajawongse Pantip. Tourists visiting Thailand and staying in 5 star hotel Bangkok have a difficult time navigating through all the wonders and many museums of the city, though these royal palaces are by far one of the most popular places to start.
Under the management of the Chumbhot Pantip Foundation the palace was converted into a museum in 1952. Originally, this consisted of 8 traditional Thai houses that were dismantled to be moved to its present location. The houses are joined by corridors, which makes it seem like it is one large building. The newest addition was added in 1996 and was constructed specifically to house the enormous Bang Chiang collection. The collection contains numerous artifacts and relics dating back to 3,600 BC. This ancient civilization is known for its cultivation of rice before the development of bronze tools and ceramics. It is considered to be one of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia.
Each of the 8 houses of the palace contain specific themes and collections. House one displays artwork from the Ayutthaya period as well as ancient swords, spears and muskets. House two shows traditional hand fans and mother of pearl trays. Banjarong Porcelain in its five principle colors is displayed in house three. House four shows a formal dining area and has a fine collection of Buddha statues. House five displays Udon Thani pottery and jewelry. House six contains carved figurines representing characters from traditional Thai Khon dance. House seven holds a rare sample of Sukotai ceramics. And house eight contains the formal dinnerware of Prince Chumbhot.
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