- Bangkok offers family-friendly museums that combine education and entertainment across art, science, history, and culture.
- Many top museums are conveniently located near BTS or MRT stations, making them easily accessible to children.
- From free modern art galleries to interactive science centers and traditional performances, there are options for every interest.
Bangkok might be known for its temples and street food, but it has so much more to offer. For families seeking meaningful activities that blend education with entertainment, the city’s many museums deliver experiences that captivate both children and adults alike.
From contemporary art spaces to interactive science centers, here are six cultural destinations worth adding to your itinerary, including a few museums near Bangkok’s BTS for added convenience.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) – Bangkok’s Museum of Modern Art
Location: 939 Rama I Road, Pathumwan
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Often compared to New York’s Guggenheim for its striking spiral architecture, the BACC stands as the premier museum of modern art in Bangkok. This contemporary arts hub showcases rotating exhibitions featuring work from Thai and international artists across paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia installations. The venue also houses independent bookshops, art supply stores, and cafes perfect for recharging between gallery floors. Best of all, admission to the main galleries is free.
It is directly connected to BTS National Stadium, making it a convenient stop if you’re traveling near the BTS Bangkok.
Science Center for Education (Ekkamai)
Location: 928 Sukhumvit Road, Phra Khanong
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Home to Bangkok’s oldest planetarium, this interactive complex spans four buildings covering astronomy, natural science, technology, and aquatic life. Children can experiment with gravity, explore robot technology, and watch immersive dome presentations about the universe. The planetarium shows change every two months, giving families plenty of reason to return for something new. At just 50 baht for adults and 30 baht for children, it provides exceptional value.
The museum sits adjacent to BTS Ekkamai station, making it one of the most accessible museums near the BTS in Bangkok for science-minded families.
The National Gallery
Location: 4 Chao Fa Road, Phra Nakhon
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Monday–Tuesday)
Housed in a beautiful neo-Palladian building that once served as the Royal Thai Mint, the National Gallery showcases Thailand’s artistic heritage from traditional Buddhist murals to contemporary works. Its permanent collection includes paintings by Thai kings, including colorful works by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Temporary exhibitions in the outdoor gardens and special collections building bring modern perspectives to this historic space. Those interested in continuing their education on Thai history can visit the adjacent Coin Museum as well.
Families can reach the museum via the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Athit Pier, turning the journey into an adventure itself.
Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
Location: 100 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, Phra Nakhon
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
This multimedia museum brings Bangkok’s Rattanakosin era to life through nine immersive exhibition rooms, featuring 4D presentations, interactive touch screens, and virtual reality experiences. Children can build virtual temples, control traditional puppets, and become characters in animations touring the city’s famous landmarks. The guided tours, which are scheduled every 20 minutes, are led by English-speaking guides who bring Thai history alive for international visitors. A fourth-floor observation deck with a coffee shop offers stunning views of Loha Prasat and the Golden Mount, two nearby sites also worth a visit.
The museum is located near Democracy Monument, and can be accessed by taking a boat along Khlong Saen Saep Canal to Panfa Leelard Pier.
National Science Museum (NSM) Science Square
Location: 5th Floor, The Street Ratchada, 139 Ratchadaphisek Road, Din Daeng
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
This edutainment center, run by the National Science Museum, occupies the fifth floor of The Street Ratchada mall and features rotating exhibitions, hands-on science labs, and interactive workshops. Activities are designed around the concept of “explore, enjoy, and inspire”, and are perfect for curious kids. For families willing to venture slightly outside central Bangkok, the full NSM campus in Pathum Thani offers four museums in one location: the iconic cube-shaped Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Information Technology Museum, and the RAMA 9 Museum. Hands-on exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs to digital technology, with enough content to fill an entire day.
The location is easily accessible via MRT Thailand Cultural Centre station, making it a convenient rainy-day activity.
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles + Khon Performance
Location: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last admission 3:30 PM)
Here’s an insider tip many visitors overlook: your Grand Palace ticket includes admission to both the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles and a traditional Khon masked dance performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. The textile museum displays exquisite royal garments and teaches visitors about Thailand’s silk heritage through interactive exhibits, while the Khon performance – a UNESCO-recognized art form featuring elaborate costumes and mythological storytelling – runs Monday through Friday at 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Once you’ve finished at the Grand Palace and Textile Museum, look for the free shuttle over to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre; all you need is your Grand Palace ticket.
Cultural Immersion Awaits at Museums Near the BTS in Bangkok
Bangkok’s museums provide enriching experiences that go beyond typical tourist activities, offering families opportunities to bond over shared learning. Whether your children gravitate toward art, science, or history, there’s a museum waiting for them in Bangkok to spark their curiosity.
For families seeking a home base that puts these cultural experiences within easy reach, Bangkok Garden serviced apartments in Sathorn offer strategic positioning near the BTS, MRT, and expressways. With spacious units designed for comfortable family living and resort-style amenities to enjoy between excursions, it’s an ideal choice for expats exploring everything the city has to offer.
If you’re interested in an apartment for rent near BTS Chong Nonsi, contact us at Bangkok Garden to schedule a viewing today.
FAQ
Q1: What are the best family-friendly museums in Bangkok?
Top choices include the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Science Center for Education, National Science Museum Science Square, and Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall.
Q2: Are there museums in Bangkok near BTS stations?
Yes, several museums, such as BACC and the Science Center for Education, are directly connected to or located next to BTS stations.
Q3: Which Bangkok museums are best for children interested in science?
The Science Center for Education in Ekkamai and the National Science Museum Science Square offer interactive, hands-on science exhibits ideal for kids.
Q4: Is there a free museum in Bangkok worth visiting?
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre offers free admission to its main galleries and features rotating contemporary art exhibitions.
Q5: Can families learn about Thai history in an interactive way?
Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall uses multimedia, 4D presentations, and guided tours to make Thai history engaging for all ages.
Q6: Does a Grand Palace ticket include other attractions?
Yes, the ticket includes entry to the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles and a traditional Khon dance performance.
Q7: Are Bangkok museums suitable for rainy days with kids?
Indoor museums like NSM Science Square and the Science Center for Education are ideal rainy-day activities for families.
Bangkok Garden Apartment is a premier provider of fully furnished luxury serviced apartments in the Sathorn district of Bangkok CBD. Our world-class apartments are set within three acres of lush tropical grounds, offering a safe and relaxing environment for comfortable and convenient living. There are state-of-the-art facilities to suit every lifestyle, with a children’s playground, swimming pools, a jogging track, a basketball court, a football pitch, and a fitness center.