Exhibits

Exhibitions and Displays

Permanent exhibition building of Ratchaburi National Museum was constructed in King Rama VI reign in order for using as the administration office of Muang and administration office of Ratchamuri Monthon (precinct). In 1933 (2476 B.E.), during the reign of King Rama VII, Monthon and Thesapiban administration system were cancelled and changed to be Province and District, this building had been consequently changed to be a city hall. The administration office was then move to the new city hall building on 6 July 1981 (2524 B.E.) constructed by Ministry of Interior.

The Fine Arts Department announced the registration of this building as a national archaeological site in 1977 (2520 B.E.) before making survey and request for establishing the Ratchaburi National Museum in 1983. The building was then reconstructed, as well as survey, data collection, selection and collection of artifacts and antiquities were conducted during 1995 and 1997 for preparing exhibition. After finishing preparation of permanent exhibition, the Fine Arts Department had invited Her Royal Highness Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn to preside over the official opening on 14 October 1991 (2534 B.E.).

In terms of architecture, the layout represents the four buildings situated as a rectangle surrounding a square field. There is a building which separates the field into two parts arranging as the greenery and beautiful and garden. The size of building is 30 meters width and 57 meters length while the size of two fields is 13 meters width and 17 meters length. The lifted one-storey building was made of brick and cement with the hip roof completed by rhombus tile. There is no outside terrace but the outstanding balcony at the center appears an opened hall for car stopping by. Each balcony wall appears 3 large square pillars closely standing to carry the upper beams decorated with European art-curved pediments. At the middle of pediment appears stucco garuda emblem. The upper part of wooden louver doors and windows are made of glass frame decorated by stucco patterns.

This building was awarded the outstanding architectural art conservation in 2005 (2548 B.E.) given by Siam Architect Association under the Royal Patronage.

The special exhibition building including administration office and warehouse for antiquities and artifacts

It is presumed that the special exhibition building including administration office and warehouse for antiquities and artifacts (The House of Princess Borom Maha Sri Suriyawong: Chuang Boonnark) was constructed before the year 1873. in order for serving as the resident for Princess Borom Maha Sri Suriyawong (Chuang Boonnark), a Governor General during the early reign of King Rama V, on the vacation in Ratchaburi. After his passing away on 19 January 1882, this building had become the property of the government. During the early stage of forming Monthon Ratchaburi in 1895, this building was used as the headquarters of Monthon Ratchaburi government. In 1922, King Rama VI allowed the construction of new administration office of Monthon Ratchaburi government so this building was used as the resident of Ratchaburi governor instead.

In 1922, King Rama VI allowed the construction of new administration office of Monthon Ratchaburi government so this building was used as the resident of Ratchaburi governor instead.

In 1956, this building was used as the administration office of the Association of Female Cultural Promotion of Ratchaburi and Ratchaburi Public Library respectively. In 1996, the building was merged as a part of Ratchaburi National Museum and used as the administration office, antiquities warehouse, and temporary exhibition section or special event section. Previously, this building was a large house with high-lifted basement. In 1897, the lifted basement was reconstructed at the back and front balcony. This could make it as a half wood and half cement rectangle building with 14.30 meters width and 16 meters length covering by rhombus tile which were influenced by well-known European art at the time.

Exhibitions and displays

Ratchaburi National Museum emphasizes on local history and information according to the objectives of establishing this museum. The displays are divided into 5 sections as follows:

1. Geography and Natural Science of Ratchaburi

This section exhibits the sources of natural resources including soil, stone, mineral, and models of landscape of Ratchaburi and neighboring provinces (Kanchanaburi and Petchaburi). The samples of fossil, soil, ore, gem, and the uses of natural resources initiated in Ratchaburi are also displayed.

2. History and Archaeology of Ratchaburi

This section exhibits Ratchaburi history and archaeological remains found in Ratchaburi starting from pre-historical period to Ratanakosin reign as follows:

Pre-historical period displays

significant archaeological evidences of human settling down in Ratchaburi which include tools, utensils, stone accessories, metal, animal bones, earthenware, bronze drum, and human bones etc.

Ratchaburi during Dhavaravati

Culture displays the history and evidences of Dhavaravati culture found in Ratchaburi during 12th – 16th Buddhist century, especially the history of Kubua Ancient City and Ngu Mountain Range.

Ratchaburi during Khmer culture displays

The history and evidences of Khmer culture or “Lopburi” found in Ratchaburi during 16th – 18th Buddhist century. The significant antiquities in this room include Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara with Circular Halo found at the top of Kosi Narai Ancient City Prasat which is considered as one among five found in Thailand.

Ratchaburi during Sukhothai-Thonburi

Period displays the history of Ratchaburi during 18th – 24th Buddhist century. The evidence of the title of Ratchaburi as stated in Sukhothai stone inscription reveals that Ratchaburi is a hub and fortress city, as well as a route of marching the army during Ayutthaya period. This section displays the evidences of architecture, sculpture, painting, chinaware, and pottery.

Ratchaburi during Rattnakosin period displays

the history of Ratchaburi during the year of 2325 – 2475 B.E. representing the importance of Ratchaburi city in terms of political and administration, and local development starting from the end of Thonburi period to King Rama VII reign in Rattnakosin period.

3. Tribe and Ethnology of Ratchaburi

This section displays the history of different and significant tribal groups and ethnology of Ratchaburi Province. These tribal groups are different in culture and tradition which they can maintain it and keep practicing as original one. These tribes include local-central Thai, Chinese Thai, Tai Yuan, Mon, Karens, Lao Song, Lao Wiang, and original Thai-Khmer-Lao.

4. Outstanding Heritage

Outstanding cultural heritage includes

significant places and tourist attractions, famous sacred objects of the province, tradition and culture, festival and cultural events, local food and handicrafts, etc.

Outstanding natural heritage includes

significant natural tourist attractions such as Ngu Stone Park, Pong-Yup land collapses, Som Maew Islet, as well as trees and plants of the province.

Key persons

Key persons includes famous persons and the persons who have done useful things for the province in different fields such as historical matter, military, political and administration, culture, and local artists.

5.Ratchaburi Raja Sadudee displays

the history and works of King Rama IX on helping Ratchaburi in terms of archaeological site conservation, public welfare and visiting people, agriculture and irrigation, medicine and public health, national education and boy scout, and religion.