Ananta Samakhom Palace is one of the most beautiful structures in Bangkok. It serves as a museum and houses some of Thailand’s greatest treasures. Construction began in 1906 during the reign of King Rama V and was completed in 1915 during the reign of King Rama VI. This famous white marble building is located in the Dusit district of Bangkok. The building was designed by the two Italian architects Annibale Rigotti and Mario Tamagno and featured an Italian Renaissance Neoclassical style. Thousands of tourists flock to this magnificent architecture to enjoy its beauty. It has a vast and beautifully landscaped complex that hosts many state events.
Exterior Design:
The throne room is a two-story building with a large dome (49.5 m high) in the center, surrounded by six smaller domes. The domes and walls are covered with paintings by Galileo Chini and Carlo Riguli depicting the history of the Chakri dynasty from the first to the sixth reigns. Opposite the hall is the King’s Square with the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).
Interior Design:
The frescoes in the throne room of Ananta Samakhom were created by Galileo Chini and Carlo Riguli, the royal artists who served King Rama V. There are paintings on each ceiling and wall of the dome depicting the history of the Chakri dynasty. The dome represents the image of King Rama I leading his armies back to Thailand after defeating the Khmer and later crowning the first king of the Chakri dynasty. The eastern dome shows King Rama II and King Rama III’s contribution to art by ordering the construction of the royal temples. The south crown offers the abolition of slavery by King Rama V.
Images of King Rama IV (King Mongkut) surrounded by priests of various religions are displayed on the western dome, representing the defense of the King of All Religions. Murals in the central hall narrate the royal duties of King Rama V and King Rama VI. Other parts of the aisle are adorned with the monograms of King Rama V and King Rama VI, including a variety of royal emblems such as the Emblem of Garuda. On the balcony of the central room, Art Nouveau paintings adorn the walls with images of women with flower garlands.
Art at its best
Ananta Samakhom Palace houses ancient models of Thai art with a high level of craftsmanship showcased in each collection. It is a hotspot for all art connoisseurs who will fall in love with each piece embodied. The attraction here is mesmerizing, and no one should afford to miss the high level of art displayed here. In the center of the building is a beautiful large dome surrounded by six smaller ones where the royal throne sits. The palace has an attractive exterior and interior with handcrafted decorations on the walls and ceiling.
TV screens have been installed in almost every section to play videos describing the history and artwork of that section. From the videos, you will learn and see how beautiful art is created. Guided tours are also offered at regular intervals. Thirty minutes to improve understanding of the art shown here. A wide variety of handicrafts is the main attraction here.
Some sights include intricate wood carvings, gold and silver carvings, royal ornaments and giant silk scrolls. Each piece is carefully crafted and shows how the artists love their work. The throne room is at the end of the wide royal square, which now serves as a museum. Before its transformation into a museum, the hall was used for many state events. In 1932 it was the headquarters of the People’s Party.
Later in 1974, it became the House of Parliament, and many state ceremonies were held here until it was converted into a museum. Ananta Samakhom Palace has extensive and beautiful grounds and a well-kept garden where you can stroll to the neighboring Vimanmek Mansion.
