Bangkok Doll Museum

Bangkok Doll Museum Thailand, Thai culture in miniature. This museum houses over 400 dolls and was established way back in 1956 by Khunying Thongkorn Chanthawimol who himself was a renowned doll maker who had trained in the Ozawa Doll School.

The dolls displayed in this museum depict Thai rural life, the northern hills of Thailand and also dolls in traditional Thai costumes. The most dramatic display in the museum is the one showing characters in the Khon dance drama which is based on the Ramakien. It is used to express the forces of good and the forces of evil. There are also beautifully detailed miniature Khon masks on display. The work of a true master. The museum also has an extensive collection of dolls depicting international culture. These dolls are garbed in traditional costumes of various countries around the world such as Russia, Poland, Greece, France, Austria, China and Belgium.
This museum received international recognition on receiving the International Doll Folklore Competition in Krakow, Poland. Since then it has attracted many doll collectors and lovers from around the world for a unique glimpse into this delicate and exquisite art. All the dolls here are hand-made.
These dolls have traveled extensively, having been displayed in major museums around the world in Paris, Chicago and New Delhi. They have also been displayed at various different locations in Thailand itself.
Although obscurely located on the Soi Ratchataphan off the Ratchaprarop Road in the Pratunam area, this is a beautiful part of Thai culture well worth your time and effort. The museums open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm barring national holidays. Admission is free.