From June 1 to July 27, 2025, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is hosting an extraordinary exhibition titled *Glass Plate Negatives: Circles of Centres*, featuring a curated selection from the prestigious Vajirayana Library Collection.
This significant archive, originally housed in the Vajirayana Royal Library, contains over 35,000 glass plate negatives and 50,000 prints documenting Thailand's late 19th- and early 20th-century history. Now inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register for its cultural value, this collection is being shared with the public after extensive digitization and curation.
Exhibition Highlights
Curatorial Vision
Curated by Thanpuying Sirikitiya Jensen, the collection presents intriguing vignettes of royal life, infrastructure, colonial encounters, and everyday scenes. Images include King Chulalongkorn’s journey through Siam, royal ceremonies, and early modernization efforts.
Historical Significance
- Rare royal portraits and public moments: Candid photographs of King Rama V engaging with his people.
- Evidence of modernization: Depictions of early railways, palaces, medical facilities, and religious sites during Western influence.
Preservation and Access
The fragile glass plates, dating from 1855 to 1935, have been carefully safeguarded in teak boxes at the National Archives. Digitization has enabled safe public display and exploration, protecting originals from handling.
Visitor Information
- Venue: 9th Floor, Main Exhibition Hall, BACC
- Dates: June 1 – July 27, 2025
- Opening Hours: Typically 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Admission: Free
Located in the heart of Bangkok, BACC is easily reached via BTS National Stadium station and is an essential stop for anyone interested in Thai culture, history, and heritage preservation.
Why You Should Visit
- Discover Thailand’s past through authentic photographic records
- Connect with history captured over 150 years ago—royalty, infrastructure, and daily life
- Experience UNESCO-recognized heritage, uniquely preserved for future generations
- Explore thoughtfully curated exhibits that balance aesthetics and historical narrative
Final Reflection
The Glass Plate Negative Photo Exhibition at BACC is not just a visual presentation, but a time-travel experience, offering a window into the transformative years of Siam. With UNESCO-level heritage and carefully curated insight, it brings the past to life in a way few mediums can.
Plan your visit before July 27, 2025, and immerse yourself in the silent stories etched on glass plates, each a reflection of a Thailand lost and still found.