King Prajadhipok Museum

"The King Prajadhipok Museum, located in the Pom Prap Sattru Phai District of Bangkok, Thailand, is dedicated to the life and legacy of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and his wife, Queen Rambai Barni. Housed in a historical building, the museum spans three floors, each displaying permanent exhibitions related to the royal family’s life and reign. The museum showcases various photos, documents, and artifacts that reflect the royal biography of King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambai Barni. The building itself has an interesting history. It was originally the location of the John Sampson & Son's department store, a branch of the well-known shop in London, famous for its tailor-made shoes and saddles. The store was established in Bangkok following the encouragement of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1898. The shop later closed when the company dissolved, and the building was subsequently rented to Luang Maitriwanich, who renamed it the "Suthadilok Department Store." The lease expired in 1933, and the Department of Public Works began using the building for office space. In 2001, the museum's operations were transferred to King Prajadhipok's Institute, which undertook renovations to prepare the building for its new purpose as a museum. After the renovation was completed in late 2002, the museum was officially opened on December 7, 2002, by Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, under the patronage of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The King Prajadhipok Museum now serves as an important cultural and historical landmark, providing insight into the royal history of Thailand."