The Supreme Artist Hall in Honor of His Majesty the King

>> His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is well known for his wide-ranging talents in the artistic field. The Office of the National Culture Commission conferred upon His Majesty the title “Supreme Artist” on National Artist Day, 24 February 1986, in recognition of his great contribution to Thai arts and artists. The Office also initiated the construction of the Supreme Artist Hall in honor of the Supreme Artist of Thailand. The Supreme Artist Hall is now ready to welcome all visitors.

>> Located in Khlong Ha Subdistrict, Khlong Luang District of Pathum Thani Province, the Supreme Artist Hall was constructed on the occasion of the golden jubilee of His Majesty the King’s reign in 1996. It is situated near the National Archives in Commemoration of His Majesty the King’s Golden Jubilee.

>> The Supreme Artist Hall covers an area of almost 5,400 square meters and is in the contemporary Thai architectural style. It consists of the main section surrounded by other sections in a U shape, under the concept that the Supreme Artist is surrounded by national artists, who are supported by him. The main section is for an exhibition on His Majesty’s life and his achievements in the artistic field. The other sections feature lives and works of Thailand’s national artists in all fields. What is interesting is that the Supreme Artist Hall is equipped with modern technology, such as a computerized multimedia system, including video, karaoke, and slide multi-vision.

>> The exhibits inside the hall reflect His Majesty the King’s talents in nine artistic fields. They are architecture, handicrafts, literature, rhetoric, painting, sculpture, photography, music, and song composition. For example, in the field of handicrafts, His Majesty built his own sailing boats. He built three Moth Class boats, which were registered in the International Moth Class in England. In the field of rhetoric and literature, the exhibition showcases His Majesty’s manuscripts for The Story of Mahajanaka, The Story of Tongdaeng, Tito, and his translation of William Stevenson’s book, A Man Called Intrepid.

>> The Supreme Artist Hall is designed to serve as a “living museum” where visitors will learn about His Majesty’s artistic talents, as well as Thailand’s national artists. It also serves as a center for various cultural activities and education, research, and information on arts and culture.

In his speech given to a group of people who were granted an audience with him on National Artist Day in 1986, His Majesty said that art is crucial for all kinds of work and that artists are important persons deserving recognition and honor.