Nakhon Ratchasima City Museum (Korat Museum)

History & Significance

The museum originated from the Nakhon Ratchasima Cultural Hall, established in 1980 at the former Nakhon Ratchasima Teachers College. After several relocations over the decades, it was redeveloped and officially opened as Nakhon Ratchasima City Museum in April 2014 in Building 10 under the theme 'Retro Atmosphere, Enjoying Korat.' In 2015, the museum was selected as one of 60 learning centers honoring Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on her 60th birthday. In 2018, the preserved Ruen Korat traditional house within the complex received the Outstanding Architectural Conservation Award from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.

Highlights & What to See

The museum is divided into seven major exhibition zones detailing the historical timeline of the region:

• Origin of Civilization: Presents prehistoric human discoveries in the Upper Mun River Basin dating back over 4,500 years.
• Dvaravati Period: Showcases early historical settlements such as Mueang Sema from around the 12th Buddhist century, influenced by Indian culture and early Buddhist-Hindu traditions.
• Lopburi Period: Details the Khmer cultural influence in Isan between the 16th and 19th Buddhist centuries, including models of stone sanctuaries and Khmer ceramics.
• Ayutthaya Period & Rattanakosin Period: Displays the strategic role, city planning, and development of Nakhon Ratchasima during these major historical eras.
• Metropolis of Isan & Korat Treasures: Features regional identity and rotating cultural exhibitions.
• Ruen Korat: A preserved 118-year-old traditional wooden house belonging to Pho Khong Chotinok, showcasing local architectural wisdom, beliefs, and traditional Korat lifestyle.

Visitor Information

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 15:30. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free of charge.

How to Get There

The museum is located at Building 10, Office of Art and Culture, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, 340 Suranarai Road, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.