A treasure trove of ancient relics and rare paintings
Most tourists visiting Ayutthaya usually go there to admire the ancient ruins of this former Thai capital, but these days the province has a new attraction to offer visitors: a museum that has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in the nation.
The brainchild of art lecturer Sang Pornsri and the foundation named after him, the museum is located in a building where the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has an office, but in the opposite wing. The two-storey building formerly served as the city hall.
Called the Ayutthaya National Art Museum, it exhibits works by leading artists nationwide, and according to its creator, was built to preserve Thai art and culture and serve as a learning and research centre for budding artists and scholars keen to dig into the history and evolution of Thai art and craft.
"Ancient cities around the world have their own museums. It's true of every country. Every city has a museum or its own art gallery where local residents can go and learn about certain things or values that are or have become part and parcel of their daily life.
"Even though it's Thailand 's former capital, Ayutthaya didn't have a single site that encapsulated its place in history, until the museum opened. I think Ayutthaya is the perfect place to have it. It's an ancient city full of historical and cultural artifacts dating back centuries,"said Mr Sang, who has dedicated his life to preserve whatever is still left of the province's glorious past.
The museum showcases 111 paintings and sculptures by 95 leading artists. The second floor of the building features art pieces and rare collections that have never been shown before. Among them are paintings dedicated to national artists such as Thawan Dachanee, Chang Saetang, Pratueng Emcharoen, Chakrabhand Posayakrit and several others, as well as sculptures carved by Duangkaew Piyakornsilp, who is credited with the Thai Imagery Museum in Nakhon Pathom Province .
The ground floor of the museum showcases works by lesser known artists. Exhibits in this section are updated from time to time to give budding artists more exposure.
According to Mr Sang, the museum will soon introduce classes in water-colour painting and related activities for students keen to pursue a career in painting and sculpturing.
"Youths can come and spend quality time here," he stressed, adding that the Sang Pornsri Foundation for the Preservation of Art and Culture has received strong support from TAT, provincial authorities as well as artists all over Thailand who donated their works for exhibition at the museum.
The museum is open every day from 8:30am-4:30pm, except on Wednesday. For more information, call 035-324-177.
Bangkok Post 11 August 2005 www.bangkokpost.com
