Museum Siam and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Unveil “Phra Nakhon on Ong Ang:
BKK by the Canal” - A Vibrant Art Festival Breathing New Life into Rattanakosin Island
Bangkok, Thailand – Museum Siam, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), proudly
announces Cultural District 2025, an immersive art festival set to transform the historic Rattanakosin Island under the theme
“Phra Nakhon on Ong Ang: BKK by the Canal.” Scheduled from July 11–13, 2025, the festival reimagines the vibrant spirit of
Khlong Ong Ang, inviting visitors to turn toward the canal and explore Bangkok’s heritage through art and creativity.
The festival aims to highlight the power of art and community in revitalizing urban spaces and encourage public
engagement by blending contemporary creativity with Bangkok’s rich historical narratives. This year, “Khlong Ong Ang” was
envisioned as a prototype of a “Living Museum” where the city’s cultural memories are brought to life through dynamic mural
art, projection mapping, and interactive media. The initiative aims to inspire other cities to similarly celebrate and rejuvenate
their historic districts.
Artistic Highlights are at six landmark buildings along “Khlong Ong Ang”, where will be transformed into canvases for
large-scale mural art and projection mapping in collaboration of both Thai and international artists through their perspectives.
Featured artists include:
“Ong Ang of Yesteryear” by Dewy (Chanin Sriboon) at the MSM Building, Wang Burapha Intersection
“Layers of Time: A Memory of Tramways Past and Present” by Karoon Jeamviriyasatean at the S. Ampaiyon Building
“Where You Going?” by KHAE – Pimkhae Kaewphusi on the fence of Villa de Pranakorn Hotel
“Collectible Name: A Tuk-Tuk Driving Raccoon Crosses the Bridge” by Marat Abishev from Kazakhstan
“The Golden Hour” by Sontipat Pattarakamon at 569 Mahachai Road
“Evolucar”, a projection mapping piece on Boriphat Road, by Phiphat Sawangwong-anan at the T. Siriyon Building
"The project has been further enriched by the creative participation of students from the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture
and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, who contributed to the vibrant mural paintings along the walls of buildings lining the Ong
Ang Canal. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Nippon Paint Decorative Coatings (Thailand) Co., Ltd. for their
generous donation of paint supplies in support of this project.
The Cultural District 2025 festival, themed “BKK by Canal: Phra Nakhon on Ong Ang”, taking place from 11–13
July 2025, is proudly supported by Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM). This collaboration reflects
BEM’s ongoing commitment to “providing safe travel, enhancing quality of life, and creating meaningful experiences along
the MRT routes by promoting tourism around MRT-connected destinations. This mission has been consistently communicated
through the Happy Journey with BEM initiative, which has been running since 2022.
As the sponsor of the WORK+WALKSHOPS and ARTWALKS throughout the three-day Cultural District 2025 festival,
BEM aims to position MRT travel as the starting point of cultural exploration and lifelong learning. This year, the spotlight is placed
on Sam Yod Station — not merely a transit point, but a “gateway” into Rattanakosin Island, a district rich in historical layers,
architectural heritage, artistic expressions, and traditional community life. BEM strongly believes that this collaboration amongPress release
various partners will not only physically open access to Rattanakosin Island, but also open hearts and minds, allowing people to
meaningfully connect with the city’s stories. Through this, the company hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for Bangkok’s
cultural identity and foster sustainable understanding of its urban values — today and for generations to come.
Beyond the walls, the festival also serves with a rich program of panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and historical
walking tours led by artists, designers, and cultural historians. Visitors can explore the lively “Ong Ang Art Market”, a hub for
handmade crafts, art pieces, local delicacies – street food, and live performances, including contemporary music and cultural
shows by the Music Division of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department – BMA.
Cultural District 2025 is free and open to the public from July 11–13, 2025, daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Join us in
celebrating art, history, and community spirit along the canal. For more details and program updates, please follow Facebook:
Cultural District Bangkok.
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