Built in 1932, originally as a two-story Thai house used as a location for Chulalongkorn University Alumni Association, Chakrabongse building is one of the invaluable buildings on Chulalongkorn University campus. It is under care of Chulalongkorn University Memorial Hall, Museums and Art Gallery Unit, Office of Art and Culture. The first of the two floors of the building is dedicated to rotating exhibitions, and the second, a permanent exhibition. All exhibitions revolve around history, culture, traditions, and important events of the university and related part of society.

All exhibits had been updated and redesigned during 2021-2022 to be more interesting for visitors.   The rotating exhibition on the first floor, From Royal Intents to Educational Development of the Nation, exhibits the wisdom of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) on politics, country governance, and education of Thailand.  He had the vision to develop the country in every facet, especially education.  Experiments, revolutions, and implementation of Western education system have been the roots of Thai education for over a century.  The permanent exhibition on the second floor of Chakrabongse building, Siamese [a former name of Thailand] University – A Realization of the Royal Vision, tells the story of the inception of formal education in Thailand, starting from The Royal Pages School to King Chulalongkorn Civil Servants’ School prior to the establishment of Chulalongkorn University for all students in the country.  The second exhibition hall shows history of Chulalongkorn University from the foundation day on March 26, 1917.

Both rotating and permanent exhibitions have been modified to offer more interactive experiences for visitors.  In addition to written descriptions, photographs, and other exhibit objects, videography is offered for those who prefer audio-visual media, have trouble reading, or are visually challenged.  An e-book of exhibits and descriptions is also offered to those who prefer accessing the exhibits digitally by scanning QR codes with their mobile devices connected to the internet.  Visitors can also access the exhibit information at a later time.

The exhibition in the third room on the second floor is currently dedicated to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is a Chulalongkorn University alumnus.  Office of Art and Culture, in a collaboration with alumni class of 1970 as part of their celebration of the 50th anniversary as freshmen, sponsor budget for organizing the exhibition.  Documents, collectibles, and other items related to campus life of the Princess are shown in the exhibition, revealing interesting, but lesser-known, information from that time, and showing the Princess in a more personable and approachable light She truly is.

Exhibitions at Chakrabongse building are important body of knowledge showing evidence of King Chulalongkorn’s royal intents, vision, and realization of His vision, as well as history and development of higher education in Thailand.  The information and all exhibits are collected from reliable sources and verified by many experts.  The exhibitions serve as a resource for the university dignitary quests, community, and the general public to increase an awareness and pride of, not only in the university, but more importantly, of the work and dedication of King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh, His son who carried out the founding of Chulalongkorn University, to formal and higher education in the country, which had been a significant leap into the new chapter of the country and opening up to the ensuing modernization

Memorial Hall, Chakrabongse Building

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