The history of National Museum Bangkok dates back to 1874 when His Majesty, King Rama V opened the first public museum to exhibit the royal collections of King Rama IV, and other objects of general interest, at the Concordia Pavilion inside the Grand Palace. Later, the Museum was transferred to its present site, the “Wang Na” or “Palace to the Front” which had been the palace of Prince Successor. In 1926, it was named “Museum Bangkok” and subsequently developed into “National Museum Bangkok”, when it came under the direction of the Department of Fine Arts in 1934.
Other exhibits of interest include the old monuments and historic buildings; the Palace, Buddhaisawan Chapel, housing the sacred Buddha image, Phra Buddhasihing, and Mural paintings, Issaret Rajanusorn Building, a residence of King Pinklao, the second king of King Rama IV, the Red House, originally one of the private living quarters of Queen Mother of King Rama IV and King Pinklao. In addition, there are several minor pavilions which were once used for ceremonial occasions. Each one is an example of Thai architecture of the Bangkok period.
