Nan National Museum
(พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติน่าน)
Nan
The National Museum of Nan is situated at Pha Kong Road, Nai Wiang District, Amphoe Mueang Nan, Nan. The museum is opposite to Wat Phra That Chang Kham, near Wat Phumin. The style of the building is a combination between European style in the age of King Rama V and the native arts of Nan. It was originally used as the royal pavilion and the work place of Royal Governor Phra Chao Suriyawong Pharit Det and underwent two major renovations; the first restoration was in 1932 (2475 B.E.) when it was used as the provincial hall. The upgrade to National Museum of Nan was secondly made in 1974 (2517 B.E.).
The exhibition of the museum utilises windows, natural light, and the airy structure, making all visitors feel at home rather than at the museum, comfortable, and enjoy the displayed items even more.
The museum is divided into two floors. The lower floor shows the living of tribes in Nan province including important festivals such as the Life Prolonging Ceremony, the Longboat Racing, and so on. The upper floor is a display of antiques found in Nan dated from the pre-historic age to the time of series of viceroys. One of the important pieces is the left Black Ivory of ninety-four-centimetre length, weighing 18 kilograms - the spiritual significance of Nan obtained in the reign of Phraya Kan Mueang, the fifth royal governor. The biggest part of the ivory has the diameter of 47 centimetres. Some more precious antiques include: coated earthen wares of the 21st Buddhist century from Bo Suak, Bo Suak District, Amphoe Mueang Nan; the Buddha image in Subduing Mara attitude in Burmese-influenced Lanna style; the silver pedestal tray for betel nuts, one of the crown jewels of the last Nan’s royal governor.
The National Museum of Nan is open for public every Wednesday - Sunday, 08.30 - 16.30hrs. The entrance fee is 30 baht for Thai citizens and 100 baht for foreigners. For further information, please call 0-5471-0561 or 0-5477-2777 and fax 0-5477-2777