Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

The BACC does not demand much of your time or any of your money; you can rove in and out of the exhibits as you please, with no need for any order.

The best feature of the BACC is not necessarily what hangs on its walls, but the structure itself: a modern collage of rounded corners and straight edges, with a spiral interior, twisting tightly like a shirt wrung out to dry. Even on weekends, the building remains empty compared to its bustling neighbour, MBK. Why furry iPhone cases and blonde hair extensions are more sought after than art is grist for the aporia mill, but consider the extra leg room a blessing.

Start your visit at one of several cafes — perhaps for one of Bangkok’s best cups of coffee at Gallery Drip on the first floor or the interesting mish-mash of sushi and creativity and HOF Eat & Art on the third. Then make your way through the small galleries, lined up in a row like a school dormitory, with rotating exhibitions.

Stop by the tables lining the galleries to admire the work of impressive local artists, where you can talk to them about their process and buy greeting cards and other knick-knacks to take home. Several shops offer the chance to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts, but you could always send Mum a caricature that one of a few on-hand artists will whip up for you in a flash. The facility also features frequent art talks (in both English and Thai) and even a black-box theatre with mime artists.

Though the BACC is by no means a trip to the Louvre, it is a pleasant space that has swiftly become an important part of Bangkok’s contemporary art community. Quirky, confused, and free of charge; a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Bangkok or an excuse to escape the heat.

How to get there
Connected to National Stadium BTS, or a short walk from Siam.

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