Introduction
Art museums are great places to gain inspiration, but they can also be intimidating. In this guide we’ll help you find some of Asia’s best art museums, where you can discover the works of local artists and explore their culture through traditional mediums.
The modern art scene in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where traditional culture and modern art converge. The capital of Thailand is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Bangkok has been called both “a cultural melting pot” and “a city that never sleeps.” It’s no wonder then that it’s home to so many museums and galleries featuring both traditional Thai art as well as contemporary pieces from around Asia and beyond.
The National Museum houses everything from Buddhist sculptures dating back over 1,000 years ago to contemporary paintings by Thai artists like Rirkrit Tiravanija who studied at Cooper Union School of Art & Design in New York City before returning home to open his own gallery space called Thaniya Plaza (which translates into English as “Thailand”). If you’re looking for something more specific than just general museum admission tickets (or if you want something cheaper), try visiting one of these smaller institutions instead:
On your own artistic adventure in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kaohsiung is a great place to experience art. There are many museums and galleries in Kaohsiung, including the National Museum of History, National Museum of Natural Science, National Taiwan Ocean University Art Gallery and more. Kaohsiung also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that highlight local artists’ work.
The city’s diverse population has contributed to its unique culture which includes street murals by well-known Taiwanese artists such as Freddy Wong.
The National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is a museum of modern and contemporary art. The museum was opened in 2015, with its collection currently consisting of over 6,000 works of art from across Asia.
The museum’s building was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who also designed Habitat 67 in Montreal and the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California (both now defunct).
A modern art museum in New Delhi, India
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is the premier modern art museum in India, showcasing works by both Indian and international artists. The gallery was founded in 1954 and has since grown to include over 4500 pieces of art on display.
The museum features works from many different genres including sculpture, painting, photography and printmaking. You can also find some interesting temporary exhibitions here as well as lectures by leading artists or curators who work at NGMA.
Visitors will enjoy exploring new territories while learning about some of India’s most talented artists at this popular Delhi attraction!
Exploring Angkor Wat and its temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built as a Hindu temple, but later converted to a Buddhist temple. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Angkor Wat has been described as “the jewel of Khmer architecture” and “the most spectacular achievement of classical Southeast Asian civilization”. Its design shows significant influence from earlier temples at Angkor Thom, yet it also has unique elements that differentiate it from other Angkorian temples such as Baphuon or Preah Khan (Kampuchea).
Exploring the colonial architecture of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and the largest in terms of population. It is also one of the most diverse cities in Southeast Asia, with an eclectic mix of cultures from across Asia and around the world.
The colonial architecture in Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore on foot as it offers many green spaces and parks where you can take photos or simply relax. There are plenty of museums, galleries, cultural attractions and shopping malls within easy walking distance from each other so there’s no need for public transportation unless you want to get further away from downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Art can be experienced in a number of ways in Asia.
Art can be experienced in a variety of ways in Asia. Art museums and galleries are popular destinations for those seeking to learn more about the region’s artistic heritage, but there are also many other opportunities for experiencing art on your travels.
The temples of Cambodia and Thailand house countless sculptures, murals and paintings that date back centuries – some even pre-dating Angkor Wat itself! In Cambodia this includes Angkor Wat itself; while in Thailand it’s worth visiting Bangkok’s National Museum or Ayutthaya Historical Park where you’ll find thousands of ancient Buddha images carved into stone sculpture or made from bronze or gold leaf (to name just two materials).
In Vietnam you’ll see traditional calligraphy scribbled onto walls by local artists; while across China you may spot large-scale installations by contemporary Chinese artists at major international exhibitions like The Venice Biennale or Documenta 12 which have been held there over recent years.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has inspired you to explore the world of art and culture in Asia. If you’re looking for more ideas on what to do in Bangkok or Kaohsiung, check out our blog posts on those cities!
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