A collection of some of Thailand’s finest contemporary art has found a new home at a new museum in the city of Chang Mai, which boasts an eye-catching mirrored façade.
The exterior of the newly-opened MAIIAM Museum of Contemporary Art is clad with thousands of small mirrored tiles that reflect light; creating an atmosphere of lightness and occasionally giving the building the illusion of invisibility. Architects (all)zone were inspired by a traditional technique used in some Thai temples and the artisanal history of Chiang Mai.
The museum sits in a 3,000sq m (32,300sq ft) converted warehouse. The dramatic outside of the structure sits in contrast with the simple interiors, which were designed not to steal attention from the paintings and sculptures on show.
On the ground floor there is a temporary exhibition hall, a screening room for films and an entrance hall dedicated to the Bunnag family – who funded the museum to house their 30-year collection of modern art. A permanent collection hall and two smaller exhibition rooms are located upstairs, while a restaurant and a shop also feature.
An outdoor/indoor space in the middle of the museum will be used for show openings, live performances and social events.
