Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok (MOCA) has one of the most comprehensive collections of modern paintings and sculptures in Thailand. Located in Chatuchak, the 5-storey art museum displays over 800 pieces of art, many of which are owned by its founder, Boonchai Bencharongkul.

Highlights of Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok

Lots of natural light and well-spaced rooms showcase the development of Thai fine art over the years. Many of its exhibitions are thought-provoking, beautiful and, in parts, funny. MOCA serves as a place where artists are free to explore themes such as religion, corruption, prostitution, and the loss of traditional values.

Permanent collections at MOCA Bangkok

MOCA Bangkok’s permanent collections highlight some of the country’s most celebrated artists, including Lumpu Kansanoh, Denpong Wongsaroj, and Bundit Padungvichian. The 5th floor of the museum is a special wing dedicated to European painters from the Victorian era, along with Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian and Japanese artwork.

Prateep Khotchabua’s art is striking, both for its bold use of colour and playful, sometimes surrealistic scenes. Animalism and nudity are prominent themes in his works, sometimes with 1 animal morphing into another. Luang Ta Ma (Traditional Thai Music) is a portrait of a rural family cavorting by the riverside. The attention to detail is fantastic and every family member is present and enjoying a facet of Thai life.



Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed the famous Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, has several of his paintings on permanent display at MOCA. Combining Buddhist themes with a traditional Thai style, he explores the relevance of Buddhism in today’s urban environment.

A vibrant, pointillist-style painting on the 2nd floor by Preecha Pun-Klum, Glamourous Night in Bangkok captures the hectic energy of night-time Bangkok, while the 4th floor displays 3 gigantic paintings depicting The Three Kingdoms – Heaven, Earth and Hell – with astounding attention to detail.

Good to know about the Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok

The Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok is in Chatuchak, about 6.5 km north of the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station. It's easiest to take a taxi from outside Mo Chit station.

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10am to 6pm (closed on Mondays)