The Building

Our historic location, originally built in 1899, was designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno. His most famous work includes Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Neilson Hays Library and Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

This is the former home of Sanan Devahastin na Ayudhya, who is also known by his noble title “Chao Phraya Thammasakmontri,” Thailand’s father of modern education. He is considered a Renaissance man, well-known for accomplishments such as serving as a former Minister of Education and as the first President of the National Assembly as the Kingdom of Siam transitioned to a constitutional monarchy. 

In 2019, Bangkok 1899 officially opened its doors with support from Ford Philanthropy and The Rockefeller Foundation. Since then, this hub has curated vibrant exhibitions and performances through its signature International Artist Residency program.

It has also made a significant social impact through its onsite café organized by Na Projects, which hosts vocational training for at-risk youth and workshops for urban refugees to facilitate their transition to living in Thailand.

Since 2011, our nonprofit has employed environmentally regenerative practices throughout our projects and day-to-day operations. Throughout the years, we have accumulated knowledge and experience to create our organization-wide Climate Policy, which features guidelines and recommendations for all our operations.