A surprisingly good selection of art galleries awaits visitors to Chiang Mai. Selling oriental paintings, Asian antiquities and some unusual sculptures, the many art dealers around the city of Chiang Mai are good places to find a memorable souvenir of your holiday, while many coffee shops also regularly display paintings.Head to Tapae Road and in particular, around the Night Market. Here you will find a number of art shops and galleries, with pieces varying greatly in both quality and price. Nimmanhemin Road is another area of Chiang Mai worth investigating and this stretch has become known for its craft shops and art galleries.
The arts vibe around the city in greatly enhanced by the art students from Chiang Mai University, who regularly exhibit their works at various venues and coffee shops. The main art galleries within Chiang Mai are shown below.
Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural CentreAddress: Prapokklao Road, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 21 7793
The noteworthy Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre lies within the historic Old City area and features two floors of exhibits, which range from art works to historic artefacts from the region. The upper floor concentrates on a number of themed displays, which include the Kings of Chiang Mai and also the religion of Buddhism.
Open: Tuesday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge
Chiang Mai Faculty of Arts Museum
Address: Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huey Kaew Road, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 211 724
Part of the city's university, the Chiang Mai Faculty of Arts Museum actively promotes contemporary art works and hosts many exhibitions, which attract both local and international artists. The faculty was founded in 1983 and has grown greatly in stature over the years. The actual art museum itself was built in 1996 and nurtures home-grown talent.
Open: daily, hours vary
Admission: free
Lost Heavens
Address: 234 Tha Pae Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 251 557
Established in the late 1980s, Lost Heavens is located within the Night Market and specialises in tribal works. Also on display here are a number of religious artefacts and antiquities relating to the Yao people, together with colourful textiles and fabrics. Many pieces are for sale at affordable prices.
Open: daily - 10:00 to 22:00
Admission: free
Luna Gallery
Address: 190 Charoenraj Road, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 30 6678
Sited within the Old City area, the Luna Gallery is home to a mixture of modern paintings, ceramics, photographs and Asian-style art works. With many visiting exhibitions and plenty of affordable pieces for sale, artists from as far away as Europe are known to display their works here. Those on a budget will find the selection of inexpensive postcards of interest.
Open: daily - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: free
Tita Gallery
Address: 68 Moo 6, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 29 8373
Lying on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and showcasing both traditional paintings and stylish contemporary art works, the Tita Gallery is easy to find, being especially close to the Regent Hotel. You can also expect to find a good choice of pottery here, together with glassworks, textiles and more.
Open: daily - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: free
Further noteworthy art galleries in Chiang Mai are as follows:
Chofa Gallery
Address: 11 / 3 Ban Sanklong Moo, 3 Sankampaeng Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 338 235
Gong Dee Gallery
Address: 10 - 12 Soi 1, Nimmanhemin Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 225 032
Kaew Kor
Address: 6 / 9 - 10 Nimmanhemin Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 215 166
Monkey Club
Address: 7 Soi 9, Nimmenhemin Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 226 997
Studio Naenna
Address: 138 Soi 8, Chan Khian Road, close to the University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 217 707
The Gallery
Address: 29 Charoenrat Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 053 248 601
Writers' Club and Wine Bar
Address: Ratchadamnoen Road, near Tamarind Village, Thailand
Tel: +66 019 282 066
