fountainhall
February 25th, 2013, 11:54
As requested, here are a couple of events in Bangkok. The first should be of major interest to both tourists and residents. ItтАЩs a unique exhibition of artefacts made for the King and Queen over the years. Called тАЬThe Arts of the KingdomтАЭ it is held in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, formerly the old Parliament Building
These objects are large and simply stunning. Most took 100 or more artisans from villages around the country two or more years to complete. You will never have seen anything like them. The first Exhibition opened in 2007 and was so successful it has continued with only a few changes since then. There is no closing date. Entry is Bt. 150 and dress must be as for temples.
These photos had to be taken from cards which I purchased at the shop and so do not do the exhibits justice.
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom6.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom2.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom1.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom3.jpg
The throne hall itself is fascinating. It was designed by an Italian architect at the end of the 19th century and completed about 100 years ago. Inside, on the upper floor where most of the Exhibition is located, it is more like a small cathedral with stunning marble and murals. It is still occasionally used for state occasions. The small entrance hall is decorated almost exclusively in teak and panels with gorgeously coloured beetle wings, which are also used extensively in the decoration of the objects.
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom7.jpg
Several sights are nearby including the Marble Temple and the teak Vimanmek Palace. Getting there can be difficult in the rush hour. One idea is to take a river boat to Ta Thewet pier. It's about a 1.5 km cab ride from there.
http://www.artsofthekingdom.com/EartsofA.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserRevi ... ngkok.html (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293916-d1950090-r127783310-The_Ananda_Samakhom_Throne_Hall-Bangkok.html)
For those who donтАЩt already know, an international touring production of Phantom of the Opera will be at the Rachadalai Theatre in the Esplanade Complex in Bangkok from May 7 till June 2, but may be extended. This is a specially designed theatre for musicals and where all major musicals have been performed in recent years. It is conveniently located at the Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station. But note itтАЩs expensive with tickets between Bt. 1,500 and Bt. 5,500.
I have taken Thai friends to several musicals, including Mamma Mia and Miss Saigon. They loved them.
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Phantom_Poster.jpg
http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/performa ... 1605&la=en (http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/performance/performance-detail.php?sid=1605&la=en)
These objects are large and simply stunning. Most took 100 or more artisans from villages around the country two or more years to complete. You will never have seen anything like them. The first Exhibition opened in 2007 and was so successful it has continued with only a few changes since then. There is no closing date. Entry is Bt. 150 and dress must be as for temples.
These photos had to be taken from cards which I purchased at the shop and so do not do the exhibits justice.
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom6.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom2.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom1.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom3.jpg
The throne hall itself is fascinating. It was designed by an Italian architect at the end of the 19th century and completed about 100 years ago. Inside, on the upper floor where most of the Exhibition is located, it is more like a small cathedral with stunning marble and murals. It is still occasionally used for state occasions. The small entrance hall is decorated almost exclusively in teak and panels with gorgeously coloured beetle wings, which are also used extensively in the decoration of the objects.
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Arts_of_the_Kingdom7.jpg
Several sights are nearby including the Marble Temple and the teak Vimanmek Palace. Getting there can be difficult in the rush hour. One idea is to take a river boat to Ta Thewet pier. It's about a 1.5 km cab ride from there.
http://www.artsofthekingdom.com/EartsofA.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserRevi ... ngkok.html (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293916-d1950090-r127783310-The_Ananda_Samakhom_Throne_Hall-Bangkok.html)
For those who donтАЩt already know, an international touring production of Phantom of the Opera will be at the Rachadalai Theatre in the Esplanade Complex in Bangkok from May 7 till June 2, but may be extended. This is a specially designed theatre for musicals and where all major musicals have been performed in recent years. It is conveniently located at the Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station. But note itтАЩs expensive with tickets between Bt. 1,500 and Bt. 5,500.
I have taken Thai friends to several musicals, including Mamma Mia and Miss Saigon. They loved them.
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l597/fountainhall/Phantom_Poster.jpg
http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/performa ... 1605&la=en (http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/performance/performance-detail.php?sid=1605&la=en)