Erawan Museum, Bangkok Overview

Demonstrating the mixture of modern civilization and traditional cultures and practices of Thailand is the Erawan Museum in Bangkok. Situated in the Samut Prakan Province, you can easily identify the museum from its giant three-headed elephant structure standing stoutly atop the building. The First Floor of the Museum is a representation of the Hindu mythology’s concept of the underworld. The Second Floor showcases the concept of Earth, or the present life. The Third Floor depicts the concept of Tavatimsa Heaven and is situated inside the belly of the Elephant. Known for the antiques based on varied Thai mythologies, Erawan Museum is sure to leave everyone spellbound, the history and architecture lovers more so.

With a unique architecture accompanied by eye-catching interiors, the Erawan Museum continues to attract tourists and visitors from all over the globe, proudly showcasing its collection of artefacts as a tribute to several mythologies such as Thai, Chinese, Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. From the spiralling staircases exhibiting works of hand-beaten Copper to the artistic iconography on the walls of Mount Meru, or the dome–shaped portion of the museum, the mesmerizing beauty and architecture of the place are assured to hypnotize you during your visit to the Erawan Museum.

History

The history behind the development of the Erawan Museum is quite unique yet simple. Erawan Museum derives its name from the mythological creature Airavata, who served as a vehicle to Hindu God Indra. While the blueprints of the museum was laid down by the renowned antique collector Lek Viriyapant, the construction of the museum was performed by his son Pagpean Viriyapant. One of the motives behind the construction of the Erawan Museum was that Lek Viriyapant wanted to showcase his collection to the world.

Beautiful sculptures of dragons, remarkable finishing on the pillars and the statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods on display inside the belly of the elephant, every nook and corner of this museum was built by the successors of Lek Viriyapant. Present day, the Erawan Museum is a vivid example of how much enriched Thai culture has been over these years.

Inside Erawan Museum

During your visit to the Erawan Museum, you can observe the perfection and precision with which the statues and pillars have been carved out. Speaking of the overall structure of the building, the three-headed elephant standing over a dome-shaped structure symbolizes the elephant guarding the Earth.

If you want to get a glimpse of the sense of spirituality, do pay a visit to the lush green and flowering Erawan Gardens. Cobbled up paths, rare species of flowers blooming in the garden and big and small rocks decoratively scattered haphazardly are sure to steal your senses for a while.

At the Third Floor of the grand museum, you get to witness an awe-inspiring view of Buddha’s sculptures in a variety of postures against the abstract artworks symbolic of the solar system. As the name suggests, simply from the view of the interiors of the place does one delves deeper into the Thai culture, experiencing the spirituality in their inner self on the way.

Erawan Museum Interiors — Buddha's sculptures at Erawan Museum
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The magnificence of the sunlight amplifying the glass painted ceiling of the Erawan Museum displaying the ceiling of the world along with the Zodiac signs amidst the stars is another out of many things you would like to click pictures with.

Exhibits at Erawan Museum

Touring the Erawan Museum, you can observe a large collection of different types of vases dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties of China on the first floor. Symbolizing the concept of Underworld, this floor also comprises of history related to the construction of the museum along with photographs and wall placards justifying the same.

Moving on through the central staircase to the second floor, the museum exhibits antiquities relating to the European pottery and ceramics craftsmanship. The hall at the second floor further showcases a statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess who is believed to have a thousand arms.

From the moment you step on the third floor of the Erawan Museum, the feeling you will experience will be nothing less than heavenly. And since the floor depicts the Tavatisma Heaven, the feeling falls correctly in place. This is because the third floor displays statues of Lord Buddha from different eras such as the Lopburi, Ayuttaya, Lanna and the Rattanakosin. The aura of the place helps you connect with your spiritual self, making your overall experience of visiting the Erawan Museum holistic in all senses.

How to Reach Erawan Museum

The Erawan Museum is situated on the Bang Mueang Mai Street in the Samut Prakan District. Being situated inside the city boundaries, you can easily reach the museum by hiring a taxi or renting a car.

If travelling by bus, you can inquire from people around regarding the correct Bus Route Number and board it to reach the Erawan Museum. One benefit of travelling to the museum via bus is that you will also get to see the local streets and modern-cum-traditional Thai lifestyle of people of Bangkok.

Tips

1. Understand the overall map of the neighbourhood surrounding your hotel/ stay as well as the Museum to avoid getting lost on the streets of Bangkok
2. Carry your camera during your visit to click pictures
3. Keep your mobile phones on silent or vibration mode when you are inside the museum premises