Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda Museum. The faded colors hint at its age. It is likely half a century old.
Welcome to the Garuda Museum. Inside, we explore the Garuda’s profound connection to Thai society. For centuries, it has been a symbol of royalty. It authenticates official documents.
This museum is quite unique. It was established in 2011. This was when TBANK acquired Siam City Bank. The Garuda emblem had to be removed from Siam City Bank. This followed the Garuda Emblem Act.
Since then, the Garuda Museum has collected emblems. These emblems come from 150 TMBThanachart bank branches across Thailand. The museum teaches about the Garuda. Its teachings are based on the creation of the universe. This follows Brahmanism-Hinduism and Buddhism.
Normally, the Garuda sits high atop buildings. Few get to see it up close. But here at the Garuda Museum, you can admire the Garuda up close. Touching is not allowed.
As you step inside the Garuda Museum, note the curved walls. They depict the Himmapan Forest. Scan the QR code for Instagram filters. Point your phone at the wall to see augmented reality graphics. They tell the story of the battle between Garuda and Naga. The Himmapan Forest is the backdrop.
The Himmapan Forest is a fairy-tale land. It is home to mythical creatures. Learn about the Tribhum Universe here.
The Garuda Museum features six exhibition halls. They include the reception hall and Garuda paradise or Himmapan Forest. There is also the Naga city, the immortal aerial conqueror and the vehicle for Kings. Finally, there is the Garuda emblem room.
The Naga city hall has an underworld theme. It tells the story of Phaya Naga, the great serpent. It ends with the feud between Phaya Naga and Phaya Garuda. They are half-brothers.
The immortal aerial conqueror hall is a circular room. It features Garuda sculptures. This exhibit tells how Phaya Garuda became immortal.
The vehicle for Kings hall explains the Garuda’s history in Thailand. Garuda art dates back to the Dvaravati period. It grew more important in the Ayutthaya period. It remains important today.
The highlight of the Garuda Museum is the last exhibit. It enshrines 150 royal Garuda emblems. No other place has collected so much Garuda-specific art.
Most of the Garuda here are made of wood. They are maintained in their original condition. This lets visitors see their age and real condition.
The Garuda Museum explores the legend of the Great Garuda. It uses lights, colors, sounds, animations and multimedia.
Zone 1 is the reception hall. The adventure of the Great Garuda legend begins here. Explore its origin through augmented reality technology.
Zone 2 is Garuda Piman or Paradise. Explore Buddhist cosmology. Ponder how the Earth and the universe came to be. Step into a recreation of Himmapan Forest. This is said to be the birthplace of Garudas. The Anodad Pond sits in the center of the room. Auspicious sculptures surround it. See lions, elephants, horses and bovines. Amid lush greenery, meet mythical creatures. See hermits and Gandharvas. These celestial beings perform music. Find Vijjadharas. They are semi-divine bearers of wisdom. Look for Nariphon trees. They bear fruit in the shape of young beautiful women. The replica of the garuda egg is impressive. Legend says Vinata laid it. She is Great Garuda’s mother. Visitors can take photos with the egg.
Zone 3 is Naga Metropolis. It is a 10-meter tunnel. It becomes a mythical underwater world. Nagas live here. They are Garuda’s sworn enemies. Witness the rivalry between Garuda and the Nagas. They share the same father but have different mothers. Vinata, Garuda’s mother, becomes a slave. Her sister Kadru, the Nagas’ mother, tricks her. This lasts for five centuries. Garuda must steal an elixir of life from Phra Narai. He needs it to free his mother.
Zone 4 is Immortal God of Sky. It shows Garuda’s perseverance, gratitude and selflessness. A multimedia animation projects onto a semi-circular wall. Garuda’s quest to seize the elixir led to his death. Phra Narai praises Garuda’s gratitude. He asks him to be his mount. He grants him immortality.
Zone 5 is Vehicle for Kings. Explore the Tra Krut Pah or Emblem of Thailand. It represents Thai monarchs. It stems from a Khmer belief. Kings are avatars of Narai or Vishnu. They descend from heaven to rule. Garuda is his vehicle on Earth.
Zone 6 is the Garuda Exhibits Room. It houses 150 Garuda sculptures. They come from across the country. They include the first emblem royally bestowed to Siam City Bank’s Ratchadamnoen branch. Most are carved from wood. No two Garuda sculptures look the same. They differ in facial expression and attire color.
You can pay respect to the four-meter Garuda sculpture in front of the museum. This brings auspiciousness to your life. Admission to the Garuda Museum is free.