The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall

The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is the beautiful white building facing the Royal Plaza where the statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V )stands.

In 1906, His Majesty commissioned the construction of a new Throne Hall within the grounds of the Dusit Palace. The name Ananda Samakhom was taken from a previous building that had deteriorated and was no longer usable. The foundation stone was placed by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
 
The design and construction was supervised by Chao Phraya Yommaraj, with a team of Italian architects, engineers and painters. It took nine years to complete the building, which is designed in Italian Renaissance style. The exterior is decorated with marble imported from Carrara in Italy.

As beautiful as the exterior is, it is the exquisite paintings inside that really take your breath away. These paintings, by Mr. C. Riguli and Prof. G. Chini, trace the history of the Chakri Dynasty from Kings Rama I to Rama VI.

The north side dome is painted to depict King Rama I on his return from a battle in a neighbouring country, while the eastern dome has paintings of Kings Rama II and Rama III and their support for the arts.

At the present, it displays the exhibition " Arts of  the Kingdom V" which consists of Masterpieeces of Thai craftsmen created with utmost skill by the Support Training Center, Chitralada Villa. All masterpieces were made in auspicious Occasions of the present reign.   

Open from Tuesdays - Sundays  from 10.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, on New Year Day and on Songkran Holidays )   
Admission fee : 150 baht (proper attire is essential , no Shorts and Sleeveless tops, women please wear skirts or Thai Sarong )
more details please call Tel : 02 283 9411, 02 283 9185 or 0 2628 6300 ext. 5119 - 5121   website: www.artsofthekingdom   and  www.palaces.thai.net 

How to get there: 
situated on U-Thong Nai Road, or  ending of Ratchadamnoen Nok  Avenue, near Dusit Zoo.
Bus routes 70, 72, 503