The Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum is located in Baan Ton Pao, in Sankamphaeng district, east of Chiang Mai. Founded in 2016 by the Bunnag-Beurdeley family, it houses a collection of Thai contemporary art assembled over three decades and presents rotating exhibitions in a building whose mirrored mosaic façade has become a local landmark.

Why Visit Maiiam Museum

Maiiam is one of the few private institutions dedicated to contemporary art in northern Thailand. A visit is compelling for three reasons:

• a permanent collection that brings together major figures from the Thai art scene (Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Montien Boonma, Chatchai Puipia) rarely seen elsewhere outside Bangkok ;
• a rotating exhibition programme that nurtures emerging artists from Southeast Asia ;
• contemporary architecture that engages with Thai temple traditions through its striking mirrored mosaic façade.

The museum received recognition in 2017 from the Leading Cultural Destinations Awards, which honour innovative cultural institutions on the international stage.

History and Origins

Maiiam was established in 2016 by François Jean-Michel Beurdeley, his wife Patsri Bunnag, and their son Eric Booth Bunnag. The Bunnag family is connected to the Siamese royal family: Patsri Bunnag is descended from Jao Jom Iam, a royal consort of King Rama V, who oversaw the nation's modernisation in the late 19th century.

The museum's name blends two words: Mai ("new" in Thai) and Iam, honouring Jao Jom Iam. This dual origin reflects the venue's purpose: to open a privately assembled collection spanning nearly three decades to the public while anchoring it in a family history intertwined with the royal court.

What to See

The building spans 3,000 m² across two levels. It was designed by the architecture firm All Zone (Bangkok). Its façade, covered in small mirrored mosaics, draws from a decorative technique found in traditional Thai temples—earning it the local nickname "the house with the mirror wall."

Ground Floor

• A hall devoted to the history of the Bunnag family and the figure of Jao Jom Iam, contextualising the collection.
• An exhibition hall for rotating shows, typically hosting several displays annually.

First Floor

• The permanent collection hall, featuring works by leading figures in Thai contemporary art.
• Two additional exhibition rooms used for thematic or monographic projects.

On-site, the Kampangkaew Café offers a menu blending Thai and international cuisine in a contemporary setting. It's a welcome stop, as dining options are limited in this neighbourhood.

Practical Information

• Visit duration : allow 1 to 2 hours depending on your interest in the rotating exhibitions.
• Hours : open daily except Tuesdays, during daytime hours. As schedules may change, verify on the official website before your visit.
• Admission : paid entry, at a moderate rate for a private museum.
• Languages : information panels in Thai and English.

Getting There

The museum is located in Sankamphaeng district, approximately 20-30 minutes by road from Chiang Mai's historic centre, depending on traffic. Several options:

• Songthaew (red shared taxi) : drivers know the address, or mention the "mirror wall house."
• Minibus departing from Warorot Market, heading toward Sankamphaeng, with stops at Maiiam.
• Private taxi or ride-sharing : the most straightforward option, especially if combining the museum visit with other sites in the district.

Nearby Attractions

Sankamphaeng district and eastern Chiang Mai feature several complementary sites you can pair with your museum visit:

• Bo Sang, the umbrella village : a crafts centre renowned for hand-painted mulberry paper umbrellas.
• Warorot Market : Chiang Mai's largest traditional market and a departure point for many songthaews to Sankamphaeng.
• Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) : a temple covered in chiselled silver panels, exemplifying the interplay between craftsmanship and sacred architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Journey

Maiiam Museum integrates seamlessly into a cultural stay in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand. To build an itinerary combining heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary art, consult our Thailand travel experiences.