Jim Thompson House Museum is the house of an American businessman and architect called James Thompson who started the silk factory after world war 2. It has a collection of Asian art and many unique displays. It was built in the year 1959 in about half the size of a football field.
Entrance fee
The Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok charges an entry fee of 200 Baht for adults. Visitors aged between 10 – 21 years and those with disabilities pay 100 baht (ID required). Children below 10 year old, if they are accompanied by an adult, the entry is free.. The fee includes a guided tour of the house.
Opening Hours
The Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, however, the last guided tour commences at 5:00 PM. It’s important to remember that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Furthermore, guided tours are available in multiple languages, and, as a rule, visitors must join a tour to explore the house.
Direction
The Jim Thompson House Museum is located in the center of Bangkok, at 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, near BTS National Stadium Station. To reach there easily, take the BTS Skytrain to National Stadium Station (Exit 1). From the station, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the museum entrance.
You can also get there by taxi or tuk tuk. The museum tour will get over at the Silk sales outlet and from there you can exit the museum.
Jim Thompson House Museum regulations
- Before entering the museum show the ticket to the staff present in the entrance of the museum.
- Shoes must be opened before entering the museum.
- Bags must be kept in the locker area.
- Selfies, flash , video recording are not allowed inside the museum.
- Smoking is not allowed inside the museum.
Museums in Bangkok
| Museum Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Jim Thompson House Museum | 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Rd, Bangkok |
| National Museum Bangkok | Na Phra That Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok |
| Museum Siam | 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok |
| Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) | 499 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok |
| Bangkokian Museum | 273 Soi Charoen Krung 43, Bang Rak, Bangkok |
| Science Center for Education (Planetarium) | 928 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Bangkok |
| The Erawan Museum | 99/9 Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan |
| Royal Barges National Museum | Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bangkok |
| Siriraj Medical Museum | 2 Wang Lang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok |
| Suan Pakkad Palace Museum | 352 Si Ayutthaya Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok |
| Congdon Anatomical Museum | 2 Wang Lang Rd, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok |
| Muse Shop by Museum Siam | 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok |
| The Wireless House One Bangkok | Wireless Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok |
| Royal Thai Air Force and National Aviation Museum | Phahonyothin Rd, Don Mueang, Bangkok |
| Children’s Discovery Museum | Chatuchak, Bangkok |
History
Thompson moved to Bangkok in 1948 and established the Thai Silk Company Ltd. Furthermore, he was fascinated by Southeast Asian art and began collecting art and antiques in this region. Specifically, his collection included historical Buddhist statues and Thai paintings made of wood, cloth, and paper that depicted the story of the Vessantara Jataka. Additionally, he collected art from other regions as well, namely Cambodia, Laos, China, and Burma.
In 1958, he started building his own house, which became his biggest building project. His intention was to build his own house to showcase his art collection. Remarkably, it was made by combining six traditional Thai houses. Furthermore, the house was constructed from wood and other old Thai architectural elements that were collected from different parts of Thailand.
In front of the Jim Thompson House is the James Thompson Restaurant and wine bar, which serves to welcome guests and visitors. Once inside the house, you will discover the vast collection of James Thompson. Specifically, you will find art pieces spanning from the Ming dynasty to the Ayutthaya period. There are also painted pots from the Lopburi kingdom and paintings from Sukhothai and Sawankalok period.
Is Jim Thompson House Museum worth visiting?
Yes, it is worth visiting the Jim Thompson House Museum because the great architecture, educational and engaging, historical significance, art and antiques.
- The Great architecture: The house, in essence, is a great example of traditional Thai architecture, featuring a wooden structure and intricate details.
- Educational and engaging: It provides an educational and informative journey, allowing the visitors to learn about the Thai culture, history and art.
- Historical Significance: It provided context into Jim Thompson’s life and his contribution to the Thai silk industry.
- Art and antiques: You will find art and antiques vast collection that JimThompson has collected from various countries.