For my second full day I visited the National Museum. This is housed in another former palace not far from the river, and not far from the Grand Palace. Getting to it involved the by-now usual ride on the SkyTrain and then a boat up the river.
The museum could best be described as ‘eclectic’ – the collections of objects are very varied. Most of them are housed in old buildings of the former palace, and each collection room holds objects that are thematically linked. For example, there’s a huge building that holds the Royal Funeral Chariots and their various appurtenances – whenever a leading member of the Thai royal family dies there’s an elaborate funeral ceremony and their remains are conveyed on one of these chariots. (Which chariot is used depends on their status within the royal family.) Then there were displays of weapons and warcraft; puppets, and puppetry paraphernalia (puppet dramas were apparently a leading art form within the court); and old textiles and garments.
There’s also a new gallery showing artefacts, mainly statues and sculptures, from pre-history down to recent times. Many of these are statues of the Buddha, in the various ‘attitudes’ that are regarded as correct. The statuary all originates from sites that might be described as ‘Greater Thailand’, but also display attributes that reflect whichever culture (Thai, Khmer or Burmese) was predominant in that part of Asia at the relevant time.
I spent perhaps three hours wandering around the museum, and enjoyed it greatly. In contrast to the visit to the Grand Palace the previous day, this site was not especially crowded; in deed, at times I was alone in front of a display.
The highlight was being able to visit the Buddhaisawan chapel. Like other Thai religious sites, the decoration, ornamentation and craftsmanship on display is extraordinary. This time I was able to get a picture – photography was not prohibited.
I found this day easier than my first full day. It was no less hot, but I was better able to cope with it and keep going. It was easier to ignore my discomfort, if you like.
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