The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, or Nitas Rattanakosin in Thai, is located on Bangkok's Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, near Wat Ratchanadda temple.

Here you can explore Bangkok’s history and heritage on a 90-minute guided tour through a wonderland of interactive multimedia presentations as you trace the renowned city’s journey from its birth to the present day.

The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is a four-storey interactive self-learning centre with state-of-the-art multimedia technology providing detailed information on the history, arts and culture of the Rattanakosin era, which dates from the city’s establishment as the nation’s capital in 1782.

Rattanakosin is one of a number of formal names for Bangkok.

The seven exhibition rooms in the recently-renovated building present different facets of the city, conveying the grandeur of Rattanakosin. This 'island' is bounded by the river and a canal, Klong Lawd, and is home to the city’s most important religious and administrative buildings. This is where Bangkok had its genesis before it spread in all directions to become the major metropolis it is today. It is often called Old Bangkok or the Old Royal City.

1) Grandeur Rattanakosin Room
2) Prestige of the Kingdom
3) Remarkable Entertainment
4) Renowned Ceremonies
5) Graceful Architecture
6) Impressive Communities
7) Sightseeing Highlights

Immerse yourself in Thai history
View 4-D multimedia productions depicting the early years of the Rattanakosin era. Marvel at a beautifully-crafted model of the Grand Palace and an animated presentation depicting the story of the Emerald Buddha. Enjoy the 360° multimedia programme depicting various forms of entertainment during the Rattanakosin period.

After taking the multimedia tour of Rattanakosin Island, end your journey on the fourth floor of the building. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ratchadamnoen Avenue (The Royal Way) and a close-up look at key Bangkok monuments including the adjacent Loha Prasat (Metal Castle), the watchtower on the city wall, and the Golden Mount.

	Impressive Communities Stroll through the craft communities of Old Bangkok. Through videos and representative samples, learn how gold is crafted into art objects, chalk is created, palm leaf is prepared for manuscripts, where religious supplies are available, and how bird cages, nielloware, joss sticks, lustral water, monk robe cords, fireworks, monk alms bowls, and gold leaf are created.
	Grandeur Rattanakosin Room Travel back through of time to witness nascent Bangkok 200 years before it became an Asian powerhouse. Through 4-D multimedia presentations, as well as scent and the touch, explore the birth of Rattanakosin Island (also known as Krung Rattanakosin). His Majesty King Rama I, visionary founder of the Royal House of Chakri that has ruled Thailand since 1782, modelled his capital on the majestic former royal capital city of Krung Sri Ayutthaya that presided over the flowering of Siamese culture from 1351-1767, enabling it to become the paramount city in Southeast Asia, its wealth eliciting the awe of all visitors.
	Prestige of the Kingdom This exhibit showcases the majesty of the Grand Palace, home to the Chakri kings. The complex of buildings conveys the traditional Thai belief in the concept of Devaraja or 'God Kings,' as reflected in its architecture and art objects. This hall also offers an historical account of Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of Emerald Buddha, and of the kingdom’s most venerated image, the Emerald Buddha. Witness daily life in the royal courts along these themes: Prestige of the Land View an excellent replica of the entire Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha complexes, Thailand’s pre-eminent royal and religious structures. Still pictures of individual buildings are projected on the wall behind it to explain each component and its use. This serves as an excellent preview before travelling to visit the two sites.     Arts in the Grand Palace Via a highly-interactive display, details of the Grand Palace, including the Phra Maha Prasart Royal Throne Hall, are presented. In addition, gleaming replicas of religious objects as well as building materials and decorative elements—glass mosaic tiles, gold figurines, etc—and others are showcased. This renders Thailand’s national heritage accessible to public appreciation in a way that has never been possible.     The Legend of the Emerald Buddha Image An animated audio-visual experience entitled The Legend of the Emerald Buddha traces the image’s peripatetic journey over the centuries. Through special effects, witness the three 'seasons' of Emerald Buddha attire. In a new room, view dioramas and videos of royal performing arts and crafts and see the stages and utensils of betel nut preparation, needlepoint, vegetable carving, garland stringing, and a video of classical dance, all of which are imaginatively presented.
	Remarkable Entertainment Here, are representative examples of the wide array of early Rattanakosin performing arts. There are intriguing explanations of their origins, development, and evolution into numerous forms of visual beauty. Panoramic Entertainment Thai traditional entertainments are presented in dramatic fashion in a circular room. Projected on the walls like an antique mural painting are a host of classical—nang yai (giant shadow puppets), Chinese opera scenes, lakhon nai, and folk presentations, brought to dynamic life in a unique panoramic view.     Evolution of Thai Traditional Entertainment Follow a diagram of the development of Rattanakosin performance arts. Learn about the origins and evolution of a variety of performance arts including the nation’s pride like as khon (masked drama), lakhon (dance/drama), and hoon (puppet plays). Interactive displays teach the viewer the meaning of khon (masked drama) gestures with step-by-step instructions on how to perform them. Watch an animated version of the Ramakien, Thailand’s stellar dance-drama, through rare video clips. Watch royal-court puppet shows which demonstrate Thai traditional lore that would otherwise have died out but for a few dedicated professionals. Manipulate small puppets while your friends watch your 'performance' on a monitor. Then, pose for a free old-time camera portrait that you’ll view later.
	Renowned Ceremonies After a short movie depicting His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s life and important role in Thailand, the screen rises and you are ushered into room filled with exhibits that demonstrate the origins and historical significance of certain traditional ceremonies, as well as provide information on major royal Rattanakosin ceremonies. Meaningful Significance of Royal Ceremonies Under His Majesty’s royal direction, a number of renowned royal ceremonies dating from the distant past have been revived, thereby ensuring the survival of a time-honoured tradition.     Royal Ceremonies Several images of His Majesty King-presiding at royal ceremonies over the past 60 years are displayed. These royal ceremonies have been performed since the reign of King Rama I, the Chakri dynasty’s first monarch.     Popular Ceremonies Projected on a central pillar or presented as dioramas are royal ceremonies performed under the royal command of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej. The Ploughing Ceremony supports Thai agriculturists, the backbone of the nation; the Royal Barge Procession, a rare royal event; and the anointing of a noble white elephant.
	Graceful Architecture The architectural monuments of Thailand – palaces, temples, and residences – are presented as the hallmarks of Rattanakosin art. The Palaces Hear royal court accounts of Rattanakosin-era palaces and see sketches of their design. The Temples Learn about the locations of temples while enjoying a multi-touch game. Residences View different types of Rattanakosin homes and shops while 'steering' a boat, 'riding' and automobile or 'driving' a horse carriage through the cartoon renditions of the streets of Bangkok.
	Sightseeing Highlights Many places of interest on Rattanakosin Island are highlighted, including the monumental architecture, popular parks, and highly-recommended museums, shopping districts, restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, and well-known nightspots.

Opening Hours:
The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is open daily except Mondays.
From Tuesday to Friday, open from 11.00 am to 08:00 pm
Weekends and national holidays open from 10.00 am to 08:00 pm

Entrance Fees
Adult: 200 Baht (for both Thai and foreign visitors)
Children: 50 Baht
Free of charge: Students in uniform or with student card, monks, and/or novices: free

Audio guides
Free audio guides in English are available at the information desk. Pay the ticket clerk a 1,500 baht deposit which will be refunded to you when you return the audio unit. Guides in each hall will instruct you on which setting to choose for each particular room. You can photograph the exhibits but not film them.

The Rattanakosin Library
The Rattanakosin Library carries rare books and some invaluable publications, as well as an extensive range of knowledge and information related to Rattanakosin Island.

	A 300 sq-m multipurpose hall for exhibitions and activities throughout the year is located behind the information desk on the ground floor. It offers monthly exhibitions on key festivals, including Songkran and Loi Krathong, as they are celebrated in different regions of Thailand.
	The observatory on the fourth floor offers a panoramic view of Ratchadamnoen Avenue and surrounding architecture.
	The Art and Vocational Centre and Coffee Bean by Dao are among outlets offering souvenirs and refreshments.
	Food and drink service, souvenir shops, etc. including those from the Art and Vocational Centre, Coffee Bean by Dao, as well as those offering souvenirs and other merchandise.

For more information please contact:
Public Relations and Marketing Division
Nitas Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
100 Ratchadamneon Klang Avenue
Bowornnives Sub-district
Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok 10200.
Tel: +662 621 0044
Fax: +662 621 0043