Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum

Phra Pathom Chedi National museum is located in Phra Pathom Chedi, Muang district, Nakhon Pathom. The gathered antiques from The Dvaravati culture during B.E.12-16 were kept in 2 floors Thai house. They were once stored in the veranda of Phra Pathom Chedi until B.E.2454 they were moved into a temple next to ubosot and was later called Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum.Later the museum was transferred to be under the Fine Arts Department and became the National Museum in B.E.2477. Due to the limitation of space, in 1B.E.2501 the existing building was built to house the collection. Mostly, the collection in this museum is evidence of The Dvaravati culture which was the glorious past of Nakhon Pathom. The museum separated into 3 zones: Zone 1 starts with an introduction to present-day Nakhon Pathom, including its geography, economy and demography. This is followed by its history. Visitors will see evidence of prehistoric dwellers found in the area, dating back 2,000-3,000 years. Zone 2 of the museum focuses on beliefs and religions through art mostly related to Buddhism-the main faith of Dvaravati culture. Zone 3 showcases the history and development of Nakhon Pathom during the Rattanakosin period. Objects on view include a model of Pathom Nakhon Palace-the residence of King Mongkut during his visit to Nakhon Pathom-and Buddha images found at Phra Pathom Chedi as well as a model of present-day Nakhon Pathom town. The highlights are models of Phra Pathom Chedi, whose shape has been altered several times since the Dvaravati period. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 9am-4pm. For more information, call 034-242-500.