Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
The construction of the Chao Sam Phraya Museum was funded by the proceeds from the auction of votive tablets discovered in the underground crypts of the principal prang tower of Wat Rachaburana to the public in 1959. Since substantial priceless artefacts were found from all of Ayutthaya’s historical sites, the national museum was inaugurated on 26 December, 1961. The Museum is named after King Sam Phraya, who ordered the construction of Wat Rachaburana.
The Museum features three exhibition buildings. The Complex of Traditional Thai Houses displays the architecture of central style residences and the household tools and utensils found in the ancient daily life of the Siamese people. The Thai Art and Artefacts Building is a 2-storeyed building exhibiting art and artefacts from different periods including Dvaravati, Sri Vijaya, Lop Buri, Sukhothai, etc. The Chao Sam Phra ya Building is the main and most important building because the artefacts of the Ayutthaya period are displayed in this building.
If you have limited time, it is recommended to start your trip from the Chao Sam Phra ya Building. The downstairs exhibit artefacts excavated from the archaeological sites including the large bronze Buddha head excavated at Wat Thammikkarat in the U-thong period, which shows the fine ancient craftsmanship and knowledge of casting metal objects in that era. The 1000-year-old alabaster Buddha statue seated in the European style in the Dvaravati period was once enshrined in a niche of an old stupa at Wat Phra Men in Nakhon Pathom province. In addition, the intricate woodcarvings of angels holding a sword on the door panels from Wat Phra Si Sanphet displayed here are considered masterpieces and very rare pieces left today. The Garuda figurehead woodcarving of a ship in the Ayutthaya period shows the exquisite carving details of many animals on the bow of the ships used at that time.
Don’t miss the second floor because there is an exhibition of a variety of artefacts recovered from the crypt under the principal prang of Wat Rachaburana, Wat Mahathat, and Chedi Si Suriyothai. The Royal personal objects made of solid gold and precious stones are exhibited exclusively on this floor. The highlight is a golden sword known as “Phra Saeng Khan Chai Sri”, the Royal Victory Sword. Royal utensils for the personal use of the monarch were also found; such as, the water offering container made of gold, golden bejeweled elephant, headdresses, and other precious ornaments made of solid gold and precious stones.
The second room houses an exhibition of golden offerings discovered in the crypt of the principal prang tower of Wat Mahathat where a golden reliquary containing the Buddha’s relics was enshrined. The stupa consisted in fact of seven stupas of decreasing size nested inside the other. For a better understanding, a nearby diagram explains how each stupa fits in each other. In addition, the Buddha’s relics discovered from Chedi Si Suriyothai as well as other valuable artefacts are exhibited in this room.
This museum is a collection of the ancient Thai glory and is for us to study the historical and glorious background of the Ayutthaya civilisation with concrete evidence. If you have visited the temples in the Ancient City, you will find a vivid image of Ayutthaya’s glory here at this museum.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
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Located on Ayutthaya's city island at Rojana Road
opposite Ayutthaya's Rajabhat University
Open on Wednesday-Sunday from 09.00-16.00 o’clock
Close on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays
Admission fee for Thais: 10 baht For Foreigners: 30 baht
Students in the uniforms admit free
For more information, please call 0-3524-1587
0-3524-1587
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