Rating: 4.6/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Recommended by appointment / check event announcements in advance (This area has gone through changes in how the space is used; please contact before visiting)

Opening Hours: Based on event schedules or appointments (Please confirm in advance)

 

Club Arts (Gallery by the river) is an art space often described as a “new-generation community for art lovers.” It is rooted in the vision of Kru Lek Patravadi Mejudhon, founder of Patravadi Theatre, who wanted a riverside space in the Wat Rakang–Siriraj area to be more than just a place to view art. The aim was to create a place where younger audiences could learn, share, and grow with art together in a way that feels real and accessible.

 

At its core, Club Arts is guided by the idea that “art should not be confined to a single frame.” The space opens its doors to many forms of artistic expression, ranging from visual art to performances and creative activities. A visit here is not limited to viewing artworks on the walls; it can also lead you to exhibitions, experimental showcases, workshops, or conversations that naturally turn art into a shared dialogue between people and the surrounding community.

 

Based on what has been shared about the venue, the space covers roughly 300 square meters and includes both a gallery zone for exhibiting artworks and a theatre/performance area used on certain occasions. Overall, it feels like a small creative community designed to be approachable. Whether you are a regular gallery-goer or a beginner looking to step into the world of art, you can start simply by slowing down, looking closely, and “listening to yourself” in a place that does not rush you.

 

Another reason the story of Club Arts carries weight is its connection to Patravadi Theatre, a performance venue remembered by many. Although Patravadi Theatre has been reported to have closed, the original site in Soi Wat Rakang has continued to draw people through new roles and evolving uses of the space. Today, Theatre Residence is located in the same area and can serve as a clear reference point for navigating your way into the neighborhood.

 

Getting There If you are driving, take Arun Amarin Road and turn into Arun Amarin 18 (Soi Wat Rakang). From there, using Theatre Residence as a nearby reference point can make it easier to reach the area. One advantage of this neighborhood is its proximity to Siriraj and Wang Lang, and it is also convenient to cross to the old-town (Phra Nakhon) side via bridges or river ferries. If you are using public transport, you can travel by MRT on the Thonburi side and then take a short taxi or motorcycle ride into the soi, or you can come by Chao Phraya River boat and continue with a short ride depending on what feels easiest. Since activity schedules and access may vary by period, it is strongly recommended to contact and confirm before traveling every time.

 

A small tip to make the visit more enjoyable is to leave time for a gentle neighborhood walk. The Wat Rakang–Siriraj area is rich with important temples, older communities, and riverside atmosphere that becomes more meaningful when you slow down. If your main goal is to see an exhibition or attend an activity, focus first on what has been announced for that day, then continue your trip with a nearby café or a riverside meal for an unhurried finish.

 

 

A: On weekdays, afternoons are usually calmer and less rushed. If there is an event or performance, the space may feel busier, so it is best to check announcements or call to confirm before you go.

 

A: It is recommended to contact the venue before visiting, because access and activity schedules may be appointment-based, especially for group visits or specific programs.

 

A: It depends on the rules of the event or exhibition on that day. Please ask staff or check posted signs to respect the rights of artists and organizers.

 

A: Yes. The best approach is to slow down and notice how the works make you feel. You do not need to look for a single “correct answer,” because spaces like this encourage many ways of interpretation.

 

A: For a relaxed visit, plan about 45–90 minutes. If you continue exploring the Wat Rakang–Wang Lang area or add a riverside café or meal nearby, it can easily become a half-day trip.