The oeuvre of National Artist Chakrabhand Posayakrit finds a home in a new cultural sanctuary dedicated to preserving his legacy for generations to come, which opens to the public from 29 March.

Officially unveiled this week, the Chakrabhand Posayakrit Museum in Sai Mai district is dedicated to the legacy of its namesake, a nationally acclaimed portraitist whose life’s work delves into the intricacies and beauty unsullied by time, of Thai dance-theatre and literary heritage, drawing from their spirit to set ablaze his own artistic ambitions.

Portraiture was only one facet of the old master’s practice. He also explored puppet theatre and the retelling of classical epics, wrote under the pen name “Sasivimol”, and created Buddhist art that speaks not in instruction, but in the harmony between art and faith in Thai spiritual life. For an artist of such versatility, a museum dedicated to his distinctive vision is only fitting.

Bestowed the title “National Artist” by the Office of the National Culture Commission of Thailand in 2000 – arguably the highest accolade an artist can ever receive in Thailand – Chakrabhand has produced work which is anything but static, entwining tradition with contemporary awareness that grants it an enduring quality.

Inside the Collection

Bringing together Chakrabhand’s celebrated and lesser-known works, the museum displays more than 100 paintings, puppets used in his troupe’s productions of Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Tale of Taleng Phai, and an extensive selection of sculptures.

Courtesy of Chakrabhand Posayakrit Foundation

While the official opening ceremony took place on 16 March, the inaugural exhibition will welcome the public from 29 March onwards, from 10am-4pm.

Courtesy of Sai Mai District Office / Cultural Fund

Please note that a small facility maintenance fee will be collected: THB 300 for adults, THB 150 for university students, THB 100 for school students, and free for children under 7 years old.

For further inquiries, contact +66 2 392 7754, +66 87 332 5467 or the Chakrabhand Posayakrit Foundation Facebook page.