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Chiang Mai museums and galleries There are actually several museums in Chiang Mai, covering some rather intriguing subjects. Chiang Mai galleries are numerous and many double as small coffee shops, displaying commendable art from students of Chiang Mai University Art Faculty. Since Chaing Mai is also a handicraft centre, there are several galleries displaying contemporary pottery, antiques, and Lanna Art. With more than 800 years of history encompassing Lanna culture, there is plenty to see in Chiang Mai museums. Museums in Chiang Mai The Chiang Mai National Museum The main museum in Chiang Mai is more than 50 years old and is located beside the historic Wat Jed Yod. In addition to telling the story of Chiang Mai's past, through pictures and displays, it also has a well catalogued and preserved collection of artefacts, including Buddhist icons, pottery, weapons and household or agricultural items from the Lanna society of the past. Recently renovated, the Chiang Mai National Museum has two floors, with additional branches in Lamphun and Chiang Saen - equally historic Lanna cities. Entrance: 30 baht; open 9am - 4pm Wed - Sun; tel (053) 221 308; Superhighway rd (northwest), beside Wat Jed Yod. Tribal Museum of Chiang Mai Established in 1965 and recently moved to new premises in the pretty Ratchamankla Park, this museum documents the lives and cultures of Northern Thailand's unique hill-tribes, including the Hmong, Karen, Akkha, Lisu, Lahu and Mien. An impressive range of colourful costumes, unusual accessories and jewelry, tools, utensils, musical instruments and general rural paraphernalia is on display and the story of each of these ethnic minorities is well told. Unique and certainly worth visiting. Entrance: free; open 9am - 4pm Mon -Fri; slide show 10am, 2pm daily; tel (053) 210 872; Ratchamankla park, Mae Rim rd/Chan Phuak rd. Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders A bizarre, worthwhile trip for the whole family, with a commendable collection of some astonishing insects of all shapes and sizes. Personal tours in English from the eccentric owner with special emphasis on the extensive research into mosquitoes by him and his PhD wife (displaying all 422 varieties of mosquitoes found in Thailand). Entrance: 200 baht; open daily 9am - 5pm; 13, Srimankalajarn rd (off Suithep rd). Dara Phirom Museum A curious insight into the life of a Thai Royal, more than 100 years ago. This cultural museum displays, almost entirely, the Chiang Mai home of Princess Dara Rasmi, who was a consort of King Chulalonghorn and half-sister of the chief Prince of Lanna at the time. She played a key role in maintaining cultural practices in Chiang Mai - collecting many beautiful pieces of furniture and art, and much of this is shown at this small museum out of town. Entrance: 20 baht; open 9am - 5pm Tue - Sun; tel (053) 299175; Mae Rim rd, look for signs. Chiang Mai Air Museum A curious collection of old relic planes left behind by the Japanese after WWII, plus more recent additions to the Royal Thai Air Force, and details on military history of the area, particularly during the past century. Air Force Base 41, near Chiang Mai Airport; tel (053) 202 617. Mon-Fai Museum A relatively low-key gem tucked away in Mae Rim suburb, this antique house has been lovingly preserved by Ajarn Rumpat Kodhikaew. It has frozen old Lanna culture in time, displaying costume and traditions that are seldom seen today. This 'fabric museum' authentically recreates period costume of the Northern Thais through the ages, including the many variations of local tribes and their colourful outfits. Galleries in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is a very good place to pick up exclusive interior décor art pieces, with plenty of Asian antique and art dealers in town. There are many shops promoting themselves as galleries, especially along Tapae Rd and in the Night Market vicinity. Some have some very beautiful, expensive and exclusive items on sale. In fact, Chiang Mai has a very arty atmosphere largely due to the Chiang Mai University art students who all dream of opening little coffee shops on every corner in order to display their work. We're not experts on the subject, here are just a few galleries in Chiang Mai in which to view art displays and pick up a few exclusive pieces.
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