National Science Museum
Thailand’s National Science Museum describes itself as follows (10 July, 2008):
The Queen Sirikit the Great Science Museum is located at Technopolis, a large science park just north of Bangkok in the province of Pathum Thani. It is dedicated to creating and raising the public understanding of science, technology and the environment.
It is Thailand’s most modern science museum, built at a cost of 1.4 billion baht (US$42 million) to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 60th birthday. The National Science Museum organisation (NSM) as a whole falls under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Our objectives
The Science Museum, as a member museum of the NSM, aims to enhance the public understanding of science and technology and to encourage direct participation in the development of science and technology to support and sustain the development of the nation.
To achieve this, we have four objectives:
1. To encourage the public to be aware of the importance of science and technology in their everyday lives and in the development of the country to create a positive attitude towards science and technology in younger generations;
2. To be a multi-functional place for the public, both Thai and foreign visitor, by being not only educative but also entertaining;
3. To interact with other organisations, both nationally and internationally in the development of activities and other events to raise understanding of science and technology and;
4. To honour Her Majesty the Queen in introducing science and technology via the development of local handicrafts and traditional technologies which affects the living quality of Thai people.
Our building
The Science Museum building is unique, being comprised of three cubes standing on their ends and joined along their edges. The external surfaces of the cubes are covered with ceramic-coated steel plates minimise the transfer of external heat to the building. Inside, the space is crossed by angled steel girders that stabilise the structure. There are no vertical columns or vertical external walls. The 10,000 square metres of exhibition space is divided into six floors connected by lifts and escalators. The museum was proudly designed and built by Thai architects and officially opened in June 2000.