Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum: Exploring Thai Artistry in Bangkok

The Bear Team 6 min read

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Housed within the University of the Silpakorn, the Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum expends homage to the work and life of Professor Silpa Bhirasri, known as the 'Father of Modern Art in Thailand. 

Bhirasri was an excellent arts educator who became a sculptor during the supremacy of King Rama IV, getting on to create Silpakorn University much later. This quaint museum mainly displays modern sculpture art curated by students and talented artists while indicating the atmosphere and life work of the professor.

The nationally famed artists whose work is exhibited here are Fua Haripitak, Khien Yimsiri, and Sawat Tantisuk, among several others.

Silpa's efforts gave rise to Thai art a step further in the modern world, and visiting his museum is a means of paying tribute to his tremendous contributions. So, if you're curious about what it has to explore, continue reading.

 Fun Fact!

The Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum comprises two parts, one displaying contemporary art and the other belongings of Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern Thai art.

Life is Short, But Art is Eternity

Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum was founded by the union of students and close associates of Professor Silpa Bhirasri to proclaim respect for Professor Silpa Bhirasri as the creator of modern art education and contemporary art in Thailand and the father of Silpakorn University.

Inside the permanent exhibition, it is divided into two parts:

• The first part displays paintings, sculptures, and prints by intimate supporters such as Mr. Fua Haripitak, Mr. Prayoon Uluchada, Mr. Chalood Nimsamer, Mr. Chamras Kiatkong, and Mr. Kien Yimsiri, Mr. Sawat Tanti. Suk, Mr. Tawee Nantakwang, etc. Most of the artwork is from the early days of contemporary art in Thailand, which fulfills the guidelines for formulating it according to the academic principles that Professor Silpa Bhirasri is the foundation.

• The second section displayed the belongings of Professor Silpa Bhirasri, including his working table, chair, typewriter, record player, sculpt tools, etc., set in the same way as they used to be before his death. There is also a memorable book that Professor Silpa Bhirasri used for researching information on Western art. 

The Legacy of the Great Artist Silpa Bhirasri

Professor Silpa Bhirasri, originally an Italian sculptor, is widely recognized as the "Father of Thai modern and contemporary art." Born in Italy on September 15, 1892, he hailed from a merchant family with little interest in art. However, he possessed a personal passion for art. He graduated from the prestigious art institute in Florence, where he was appointed an art professor at 23.

In 1923, King Rama VI of Thailand enlisted the services of a skilled artist, Professor Corrado Feroci, through an agreement between the Royal Thai and Italian Governments. He arrived in Thailand with his wife and daughter and assumed the position of a sculptor in the Fine Arts Department. He quickly demonstrated his mastery and became responsible for designing and sculpting significant monuments in Thailand. He created numerous monuments for various cities in rural areas. In 1933, he established the first art school in Thailand, known as Silpakorn School, which later evolved into Silpakorn University in 1943, with Professor Corrado Feroci serving as the inaugural dean of the Sculpture Faculty. Later, he adopted a Thai name, Professor Silpa Bhirasri.

Professor Silpa Bhirasri was a fervent advocate of art in Thailand. In 1949, he initiated the first National Exhibition of Art to promote contemporary art in Thailand and showcase contemporary Thai art internationally by participating in national and international art exhibitions. He crafted renowned sculptures and monuments of royal family members and fostered artistic collaborations between Thai and international artists. Professor Silpa Bhirasri is rightfully acknowledged as the trailblazer in shaping modern and contemporary art in Thailand.

The Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum was inaugurated on September 15, 1984, on what would have been Professor Silpa Bhirasri's 92nd birthday. This museum is in a historic building that once served as Professor Silpa Bhirasri's studio. He played a pivotal role in establishing Silpakorn Fine Arts University and mentoring many of the country's eminent modern artists.

Exploring Nearby Attractions to Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum

• Doi Tung
• Silpakorn University Art Gallery
• Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
• Bangkok Sightseeing City Tram
• Wat Phra Kaew (Wat Phra Kaew)
• Grand Palace of Bangkok
• Sanam Luang
• Wat Mahathat
• Tuk Tuk Hop
• Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Why Visit the Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum in Bangkok?

The Silpa Bhirasri Memorial Museum is a tribute to Corrado Feroci, a man who made immense contributions to Thai art during his 39 years of service to Thailand. His famous monuments, including the Democracy Monument, Victory Monument, and those dedicated to King Rama I and King Rama VI, are iconic landmarks in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok). The museum's reflective exhibits include old photographs of Corrado Feroci, artworks, and paintings by the great master. Additionally, there are certificates, medals, paint supplies, old uniforms, a diary, and even an old camera on display.

The museum's first room showcases works by other Thai artists Feroci inspired over the years. In the second room, you can find old books that belonged to Corrado Feroci and several Buddha statues that he sculpted. There is also a sculpture of King Rama IX, completed in 1962, just before Feroci's passing. Among Feroci's other belongings on display, you can see his old typewriter with the veneer peeling off the wooden case, an old gramophone, and an ancient electric fan. His old working table is also there, with various items organized as exhibits.

The second room of the museum houses additional paintings and sculptures. To casual visitors, the items themselves may not hold great significance, but one can't help but notice the meticulous care taken to preserve the memory of Corrado Feroci. The Silpa Bhirasri Memorial Museum is a testament to the deep affection and cherished memories that Silpakorn University of Fine Arts holds for the man who enriched Thai art and sculpture with his life's work.

Every year on September 15, known as Silpa Bhirasri Day, students and art enthusiasts gather to pay tribute to the teacher who dedicated his entire life to art. They come to this National Museum to honor him and his contributions.

How to Visit the Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum in Bangkok?

The Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum is in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), Thailand, with a postal code 10200. It can be found within the grounds of Silpakorn University, situated north of Wat Phra Kaew, with the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang to the east.

To reach the museum, you can enter the university through the main entrance and continue towards the smaller building on the left side of the main campus. The Silpa Bhirasri Memorial Museum is in the smaller building on the left.

To avoid traffic congestion, you can take a riverboat to the museum, which stops at the N9 Chang Pier. It's a short walk, approximately 300 meters along Na Phra Lan Road, to reach the university's main entrance.

 Did you know?

Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum is a modern art museum comprising two parts, one exhibiting contemporary art and the other belonging to Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern Thai art. 

Maps & More Information 

The Silpa Bhirasri National Museum in Bangkok is a contemporary art museum honoring the legacy of Corrado Feroci, affectionately known as 'Silpa Bhirasri,' who is revered as the father of modern Thai art and a key figure in the establishment of Silpakorn University. His iconic creations, including the Democracy Monument and statues of King Taksin, King Rama I, and King Rama VI, grace the city's landscape. Housed in Feroci's former studio, the museum celebrates his contributions and showcases works by esteemed contemporary artists, serving as a testament to his enduring impact on Thai art and culture.