Somdet Phra Narai National Museum

Lopburi's branch of the Thai National Museum houses an extensive collection of antiquities, with a special emphasis on the "Lopburi" period of Khmer inspired art and architecture. The collection is housed in the palace buildings constructed by King Mongkut in the nineteenth century. The Phiman Mongkut Pavilion was King Mongkut's residence, and displays artifacts from the area's pre-history up to the Ayutthaya period.

Next to King Mongkut's residence is the Chantra Paisan Pavilion. This temple-like building was originally built by King Narai and used as his audience hall before the Suttha Sawan Pavilion was completed. King Mongkut restored the building, which now houses exhibits about King Narai's reign.

Behind the two royal residences are the buildings of the inner court. King Mongkut had these buildings constructed to house his wives. That is, the ones he traveled with. He had 39 wives by some accounts. Some of the buildings now house displays about life on the central plains of Thailand.

Admission Fees

The museum is open Wednesday to Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is 50 Baht. The museum's official (if unhelpful) web site may have additional information. The palace grounds play host to an annual fair usually held around Makha Bucha day, which generally falls in February.