Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a contemporary arts centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Art, music, theatre, film, design and cultural/educational events take place in its exhibition and performance spaces. The centre includes cafes, commercial art galleries, bookshops, craft shops, and an art library. It is intended as a venue for cultural exchange, giving Bangkok an operational base on the international art scene. The number of visitors has risen from 300,000 in BACC's first year in 2007 to 1.7 million visitors in 2017.

History
In 1995, Bangkok Governor Dr. Bhichit Rattakul began a project called "the art centre". After agreement that The Bangkok Contemporary Art Centre should be near Pathumwan junction, the project was stopped in 2001 when Samak Sundaravej became the new governor. He wanted a commercial retail space and private investors. Cultural organizations, artists, students, and media joined together to oppose the suspension. In 2004, Apirak Kosayodhin became Bangkok Governor. The project was presented again and the governor agreed to the original project that the art centre should be designed following the original plan.

On 19 August 2005 a "Declaration of Cooperation in the Fields of Art and Culture by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Allied Organizations in the Fields of Art and Culture" was signed at Benjasiri Park. On 29 July 2008 the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre opened after many delays.

Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC) features
Both inside and outside the building is reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York, with its huge white curving facade and spiral walkways. It stands out on the corner of the Pathumwan intersection among the shopping centres and often displays some interesting sculptures in the front square. It finally opened in 2008, 13 years after the idea was first suggested.

Political stumbling blocks, changes in government and granting funding prolonged the process. The advocacy paid off and it continues to dedicate itself to the aim of providing somewhere for locals and visitors to define and explore art and culture. As well as over 4,000 sq m of exhibition space it also houses shops, an art library and a couple of cafés serving coffee and snacks.

Good to know about Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre
The art centre has quickly become a popular hangout for students, although the enthusiasm has not always been picked up by the general public and visitors to the area. While there are some limitations and not every display is of world-class standard, it does give a great insight into modern culture in Thailand.

Tip: It's worth picking up the Bangkok Art Map during your visit if you are interested in exploring some of the smaller galleries in town. Partly sponsored by the BACC, it provides a monthly update on the current exhibitions and their locations throughout the city.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

• 3 min walk from MBK Center
• Address: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Opened: July 2008
• Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10am to 9pm (closed on Mondays)
• Phone: +66 (0)2 214 6630