Rating: 3.5/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Currently not open to visitors (the former location was in Peninsula Plaza, which has closed)

Opening Hours: –

 

Art Republic was once a contemporary art gallery in Bangkok that deliberately positioned itself as a “small but serious platform” for modern art. It grew out of the long-standing passion for art of Khun Claire Jatikavanich, who had been collecting artworks for more than 20 years. This personal dedication later evolved into a space created to support emerging artists, particularly artists from Chiang Mai, as well as works by students of Chiang Mai University, whose ideas were fresh, experimental, and bold.

 

The charm of Art Republic lay in its ability to “invite viewers to use their own imagination.” Many modern art works do not force a single interpretation, but instead leave space for each person’s life experience to complete the meaning. One piece might remind a viewer of the city, another of personal memories, while someone else might discover a new question they had never asked themselves before. This is why modern art often feels as if it does not end inside the exhibition room, but continues as a thought that follows us while walking through the city, having a meal, or even riding the BTS home.

 

Another reason Art Republic was frequently mentioned among art followers was its strong focus on artists from Chiang Mai and students from Chiang Mai University. Seen in a broader context, this approach connected “creative energy from a city of art” with “audiences in the capital,” without forcing young artists to adapt entirely to commercial trends. Viewers, in turn, were able to encounter works with a different atmosphere from the Bangkok art scene, whether in the use of color, storytelling methods, or the way artists questioned society and identity compared to more conventional commercial spaces.

 

The former location of Art Republic was on the 3rd floor of Peninsula Plaza on Ratchadamri Road, an area known for its convenience and strong urban ecosystem, surrounded by BTS stations, shopping centers, hotels, and major landmarks in the Ratchaprasong district. In the past, this made it easy to “slip art into everyday life,” such as viewing an exhibition before dinner or continuing on to nearby attractions without complicated planning.

 

However, an important thing to know today is that Peninsula Plaza has been closed since March 1, 2022, according to multiple news reports. As a result, the former location of Art Republic is no longer accessible. For those who still want to “follow in its footsteps without wasting a trip,” a practical approach is to begin in the Ratchadamri–Ratchaprasong area instead and use the surrounding neighborhoods as a walking route for art, culture, and city exploration.

 

Getting There The most convenient way is to take the BTS and get off at Ratchadamri Station, then walk toward the Ratchaprasong area. This district offers multiple walkways and connections, making a slow, relaxed walk—very much in the spirit of art viewing—entirely feasible. If you drive, it is recommended to park at a nearby shopping mall or hotel and continue on foot, as traffic can be heavy during peak hours and parking is not always easy to find.

 

If you have half a day, consider planning a trip that “reads the city through art and public spaces.” Start by walking around Ratchaprasong, stop at sacred landmarks such as the Erawan Shrine, then slow the pace with a visit to Lumphini Park or continue on toward the Siam–National Stadium area. This route still preserves the essence of following Art Republic, because its core was never just about a physical location, but about opening space for art to work with our thoughts in a city that often moves too fast.

 

 

A: The former location of Art Republic was in Peninsula Plaza, which has been reported closed since March 1, 2022. Therefore, the original site is no longer accessible.

 

A: It is recommended to start around BTS Ratchadamri or the Ratchaprasong area, then continue on foot to places such as the Erawan Shrine, Lumphini Park, or toward the Siam–National Stadium area.

 

A: Try focusing first on color, texture, materials, and the emotions a piece conveys, then ask yourself what the work is inviting you to think about. There is no single correct answer—your experience as a viewer is part of the meaning.

 

A: Because many of the works previously exhibited were by Chiang Mai artists and Chiang Mai University students, allowing Bangkok audiences to encounter contemporary art from a distinct and creative regional scene.

 

A: Taking the BTS and getting off at Ratchadamri Station is the most convenient option, allowing you to continue on foot through the Ratchaprasong area while avoiding traffic and parking difficulties.