08:30 - 16:30
Open on Wednesday - Sunday (Including public holidays)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
A Century of Transformation
(1919 – 2019)
From Monthon Payap, Government Building
to Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Opening of Monthon Payap Government Building on 30th June 1919
Chiang Mai is a city in Monthon Payap, administrative subdivisions of Siam. The city was ruled by the Prince Ruler Kaew Nawarat, the 9th ruler of Chiang Mai.
Siam under the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).
Chiang Mai Railway Station was founded on 1st January, 1921
Yang Na trees were grown along Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd.
King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) visited Chiang Mai and stayed at Monthon Payap government Building.
Siam under the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII).
Siam Commercial Bank was opened on Thapae Rd. This first Chiang Mai bank was a sign of economic prosperity in Thapae neighbourhood.
Chao Dara Rasami, princess consort of King Rama V, restored Lanna art and culture.
(Great Depression)
Siamese Revolution of 1932 changed Siam from an absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.
The building was transformed into
Chiang Mai City Hall
Establishment of Chiang Mai City Court, the building was opposite to Chiang Mai City Hall.
Chiang Mai became a province of Siam.
Phraya Anubanpayapkij was the first Chiang Mai provincial governer.
First representative elections in Thailand.
Kruba Srivichai led people to build Sriwichai Rd., the proper road to Doi Suthep, starting on 9th November, 1934.
Suthep Airport was founded. It was then changed to Chiang Mai international Airport.
Grand opening of Sriwichai Rd. on 30th April, 1935.
Siam under the reign of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII).
Chiang Mai Municipality was founded, which was the first municipality office of the country.
Prince Ruler Kaew Nawarat passed away, ending the reign of the Seven King Dynasty and the monarchy system of Chaing Mai.
Field Marshall Plaek Phibunsongkhram changed the name of the nation from Siam to Thailand.
World War II (during 1939-1945).
Thailand under the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX).
Chiang Mai Municipality built the roads around the historic city moat. Some ancient walls were demolished from the construction.
Buddhasatarn (Buddhist Place) was built near Nawarat Bridge.
Kraisi Nimmanhaemin restored traditional Khan Toke dining.
Aerial photo from a helicopter revealed the four ancient towns around Chiang Mai, leading to city’s excavations and archeology researches.
Chiang Mai Municipality Building is opened near Muang Mai Market.
Chiang Mai Zoo was opened on 6th April.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit visited Chiang Mai for the first time.
The first National Economic and Social Development Plan (1961-1966) was established, making the big expansion of Chiang Mai city.
Chiang Mai University, the first government’s provincial university, was founded on 18th June.
The new concrete Narawat Bridge replaced the iron bridge.
Great fire in Warorot Market.
Neil Armstrong was the world’s first person to walk on the moon.
Chiang Mai – Lampang Superhighway Rd. was operated. Rincome Hotel, the first 5-stars hotel in Chiang Mai, was opened at Rincome intersection.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre was opened.
King Kawila Monument was set up at the park in front of 31st Army District.
Chiang Mai National Museum, the first museum of Chiang Mai, was opened.
14th October Uprising Evidence.
Three Kings Monument project was kicked off.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural organised the first traditional woman cycling beauty contest, which was then one of the most famous festival of the city.
6th October Massacre at Thammasat University.
Singer Jarun Manopetch brought Lanna folk song to hit nationwide.
Governor Chaiya Poonsiriwong led the project to build Three Kings Monument and planned to move Chiang Mai City Hall to suburb.
Sculptor Khaimook Chuto designed Three Kings Monument.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit presided over the ceremony to open the Three Kings Monument on 30th January.
Chiang Mai Municipality rebuilt Thapae Gate and the lawn.
Chiang Mai people marched to resist the Doi Suthep’s cable car project.
Chiang Mai Governor Pairaj Decharin moved City Hall to Chotana Rd., and planned to change the old City Hall building into city museum.
Sukhothai Historical Park and surrounding ancient cities were nominated to be the UNESCO World Heritage.
Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre was opened.
The Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Centre Project was approved by the parliament members.
Chiang Mai Social Installation, the biggest contemporary art event of Chiang Mai city in the 90s, was held during 1993-1996.
SEA Games 1995 and the opening of 700 Year Stadium.
Celebrate the 700 years anniversary of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai City Hall was moved to Chotana Rd.
Institute for Population and Social Research revealed that Thai populations reached 60 million people.
The renovation of old City Hall brought the award for preservation of a public building from the Royal Society of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.
Khum Chao Burirat was changed to be Lanna Architecture Centre.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the grand opening ceremony of Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Centre on 5th November.
First official selection of Chiang Mai lord mayor. Boonlert Buranupakorn won the election.
Hug Chiang Mai Party was founded.
Royal Rajapruek park was opened.
Thai coup d’etat on 19th November.
Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Centre held the public meeting about moving Woman’s Prison (which was in the same area of the old royal area) out of the historical centre.
Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre was founded.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the grand opening ceremony of Lanna Folklife Museum and Chiang Mai Historical Museum on 13th August.
Women’s Prison was removed from the historical centre.
Chiang Mai House of Photography, the first photography house in South East Asia, was opened.
Chiang Mai Old Town and Doi Suthep area was nominated in to Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage.
Establishment of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
Prathat Sri Jom Thong (Buddha’s relics) parade from Chom Thong district to Chiang Mai city to celebrate the 720th year anniversary of the city.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away.
Chiang Mai was nominated to be the UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts.
Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Centre opened it’s new permanent exhibition.
100th anniversary of Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Centre’s building.
First country’s election since 2011.
The crowning of King Vajiralongkorn
(Rama X).
Opening Times / Location
