Ayutthaya Tourism Centre (Old City Hall)
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has converted the Old City Hall in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya into a modern day Tourist Information Centre. It holds current exhibitions that give an overview of the city and is the ideal stop for a quick understanding of the splendid former capital of Thailand.
It was originally built in 1941 under the administration of Luang Borihan Chonnabot (San) with the aid of Mr. Pridi Banomyong, Finance Minister under the government of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram. The modern-style building has three stories designed in a “T-shape” with simple details that focus on the lines of the doors and windows.
The façade of the building displays high reliefs of previous national heroes. From left to right:
• King U-Thong holding the Prasart Sang (a conch shell inside a palace), representing that he was the founder of Ayutthaya.
• King Borommatrailokkanat holding the codex of laws, representing his place as the pioneer in administration.
• Queen Suriyothai holding a war scythe, representing her stature as a respectful heroine.
• King Naresuan the Great holding a war scythe, representing his reclamation of Ayutthaya’s liberty after the first fall of the city.
• King Narai the Great holding royal dispatches, recognising his encouragement of foreign relations.
• King Taksin the Great holding a sword, representing that he regained the freedom of the Thai people following the second fall of Ayutthaya.
The ground floor of the Centre provides visitors with travel information and useful maps. The second floor of the building showcases a permanent exhibition of Ayutthaya’s History; featuring pictures of the city at different points in history, tourist attractions, architectural interests and videos of the local lifestyles. The top floor houses the Ayutthaya Contemporary Art Gallery. This space is intended for learning and exchanging culture, contemporary art and periodic exhibitions.
Ayutthaya Tourism Centre (Old City Hall)
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Sanphet Road, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
0 3524 6076-7
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