Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

Rating: 3.1/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed on Monday)

Opening Hours: Generally 10:00 – 20:00 (Hours may change depending on activities/announcements. Please check the latest update before visiting.)

 

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is one of those Bangkok spots locals quietly adore. It doesn’t try to shout “you must come here” with flashy hype, but once you step inside, it feels like the city turns the volume down a notch. What’s left is a slower rhythm: strolling, looking at art, noticing people, and reading the mood of each era through exhibitions that change over time. The building sits in Pathum Wan, right opposite MBK Center and close to Siam Discovery, which makes it ridiculously easy to reach — even if you only have half a day.

 

The story began with “the city’s intention” in a period when Bangkok wanted a contemporary art centre on an international level — a cultural landmark and a learning space for art and culture. At one point, the project hit a major roadblock when the plan shifted toward a commercial-building model. That sparked public momentum: artists, lecturers, students, and the media joined forces to push for a review. In the end, the project found its way back on track, and after a long journey, it finally became the public art space Bangkok knows today.

 

What makes BACC special is the “flexibility” of its exhibition areas and gallery design. Spaces can be adapted and reshaped, so each visit tends to feel different. One season you might catch contemporary visual art; another might focus on photography, design, experimental works, or talks and workshops. It’s not only a place to look at art — it’s a place where ideas meet, clash gently, and move forward in a city setting.

 

If you’re the type who enjoys walking through architecture, BACC is genuinely fun. The open central atrium and the spiral walkways leading upward make the visit feel like you’re slowly climbing through different emotional “floors” of the city — from the lively ground level into quieter exhibition zones, and higher up into spaces where you can focus more deeply. Some days, just walking here feels like mental rest.

 

A lot of BACC’s energy comes from people as much as from the artworks. You’ll see art students sketching, office workers slipping in for a breather, travelers curious about Thai contemporary culture, and visitors who come specifically for certain exhibitions. That mix gives BACC the feel of a truly shared public space — one that belongs to everyone a little bit.

 

Getting There The easiest option is BTS: get off at National Stadium Station, then walk over in just a short distance. If you’re already around Siam, you can also walk comfortably. If you’re driving or taking a taxi/ride-hail, plan for traffic in Pathum Wan — especially in the evening or on big event days. And if you’re visiting for a specific exhibition, it’s smart to check the latest schedule and opening details on official channels before you go.

 

 

A: It’s on Rama I Road in Pathum Wan, opposite MBK Center. The easiest route is BTS National Stadium Station, then a short walk into the building.

 

A: Generally, it’s open Tuesday – Sunday and closed on Monday. It’s best to check the latest announcements before visiting, as hours may change with activities.

 

A: Check the exhibition and event calendar in advance — each day can feel very different depending on what’s on.

 

A: Floors 7–9 are typically the main gallery zones for visual art exhibitions, while activity floors like 1 and 5 become livelier depending on the day’s schedule.

 

A: Call 02-214-6630 for general inquiries, and check BACC’s official channels for the latest schedules and announcements before visiting.