Chulalongkorn University possesses numerous culturally and artistically significant spaces and facilities that are rich in historical value, architectural bodies of knowledge, buildings, landscapes, memorial places, and artworks. The university is committed to preserving, maintaining, and developing these spaces as important learning resources for everyone in society, all of which are open to the public free of charge. These spaces and facilities are:
1) The Living History “Maha Chulalongkorn Building”
The Maha Chulalongkorn Building is the main administrative building, and the first building of Chulalongkorn University, of which the foundation stone was laid by His Majesty King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), the founder of the university, on January 3, 1915. Designed by British architect Mr. Edward Healey, the building features distinguished Thai architectural style that has long been a landmark of Chulalongkorn University.
Presently, the building is over 100 years old and has been renovated it into a historic and valuable structure and used for major ceremonial events. It is also open to students, visitors, and the public free of charge.
- The most recent restoration had been undergone between 2024–2025 with the university budget of 125,536,590 baht.
- Major ceremonies held at the building include the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony and the Royal Commemoration of King Chulalongkorn on Chulalongkorn Day.
2) Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum, Sichang Island: Activities for the Youth, Community, and Visitors during 2024-2025
Phra Chudhadhuj Palace on Koh Sichang (Sichang Island) was built according to King Chulalongkorn’s royal command as a palace in 1889, and later, had been used for other purposes by different the government organizations. In 1978, when the palace was listed as a National Historic Site, Chulalongkorn University was entrusted with the palace by the Treasury Department. The university has been working in collaboration with the Fine Art Department, Ministry of Culture to restore the premises. Phra Chudhadhuj Palace has, since 2004, been opened as a museum and historical tourist attraction under the operation and management of Office of Art and Culture, Chulalongkorn University.
For the past twenty years, Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum has been open for visitors free of charge. Its historical significance, beautiful grounds, and peaceful atmosphere attract local people as an exercise and leisure center for their families, and to visitors, the museum is one of the main attractions on the island that draws more than 250,000 visitors a year
The museum also organizes activities supporting life-long learning for the local youth, especially in the area of the history of the palace, to promote a sense of pride and love for their birthplace, conservation and mindful uses of marine resources. The museum also regularly collaborates with the public and private sectors in promoting the preservation and continuation of arts, cultures, and traditions of Sichang community
Key activities and projects include:
1) 133rd Anniversary of the Palace: The palace’s anniversary is celebrated with a Buddhist merit-making ceremony and releasing local fish and blue crabs to the sea as part of the merit making. These local fish and blue crabs were bred and raised at the Marine Science Research Centre of Chulalongkorn University on Phra Chudhadhuj Palace premises.
2) Chulalongkorn Day: This annual event commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn, one of the most revered kings of Thailand. The ceremony involves worship ceremony, Buddhist prayers, merit making dedicated to the late King Chulalongkorn, and releasing local fish and blue crabs into the sea. Community services are also performed by the local public. Approximately 30 organizations, including government offices, military personnel, police officers, schools, and village communities participate each year.
3) Local History Education Project (Junior Tour Guide Program): In its 17th year, this program enrolls local students in a six-day day camp in the summer to learn about the history and geo-architecture of Phra Chudhadhuj Palace and other historic places on the palace ground to promote hometown pride. A test is administered, and certificates are presented to those who passed the test. The palace museum weekend tour guide positions are also offered for outstanding camp graduates to supplement their income.
4) Phra Chudhadhuj Field Trip Project: Now in its 15th year, this project takes school students on Koh Sichang on a educational visit to Bang Pa-In Palace, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, and Luang Pu Thuat Maharat Buddhist Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
5) Vesakha Bucha Day Celebration: Religious activities held at Asdangkhanimitr Temple on Vesakha Bucha Day include a traditional celebration dating back to the reign of King Chulalongkorn. A competition for the best products from recycled materials was also held as part of the event to encourage environmental awareness.
6) “Arts & Crafts Workshops” for international students in Chula-AUN Summer Camp 2025 learning about the Thai culture. The activities included making of Thai herbal inhaler, seashells painting, crochet, and cooking at Thai dish, Khao mun somtam.
The museum actively collaborates with local communities and regularly provide the use of its premise for various activities, such as the Loy Krathong Festival on Si Chang Island, the 10th “Walk–Run–Bike to Prevent Paralysis” Project, the “Return Marine Life to Their Habitat” Project, which includes releasing blue crabs and bamboo sharks back into the sea, the Valentine’s Day marriage registration event at the Asdang Bridge (the Bridge of Love), and the sacrificial ceremony for Si Chang Island’s guardian deity “Srichalothorn Thep”, along with the three-colored cloth-tying ritual around the “Hattawichan” tamarind tree.
Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum
Hours:
Tuesdays to Sundays, including public holidays
(Closes every Mondays)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tel. +66 38 216-416
No admission fee
https://www.facebook.com/phrachudadhuj
3) Chakrabongse Building: Exhibitions on the History of Higher Education in Thailand
Built in 1932, originally as a two-story Thai house used as a location for Student Club Management Organization Chulalongkorn University, 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. Chakrabongse building also serves as the home of the “Phra Kiao,” the royal emblem bestowed upon the university that has been used as the symbol of the university.
In 2024-2025, a rotating exhibition titled “Under the Reign of King Prajadhipok: Chulalongkorn University’s Alumni” was organized on the first floor. This exhibition highlights the royal benevolence of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) towards the university, focusing on the first graduation ceremony of Chulalongkorn University’s graduates in 1930. The first batch of graduates were medical students. The exhibition presented the King’s presiding at the ceremony where degrees were royally conferred, along with important documents, photographs, and other related materials. This is of great significance, as it marks the first time in Thailand’s history that graduates from the nation’s first higher education institution completed their studies.
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
Service Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4BBjwYdvRDivQBW28
NO ADMISSION FEE
For more information:
Tel. +662-218-7098
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MemorialHallOfChulalongkornUniversity
