Phimai National Museum Showcases Historic Artefacts Before Year-Long Renovation
The Phimai National Museum in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 250 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, is marking Thai Heritage Conservation Day 2025 with a special exhibition titled “Artefacts Returning Home to Phimai”, featuring ancient treasures returning to their original homeland for the first time in nearly a century.
The exhibition highlights two standout pieces of immense cultural and historical significance. The first is a Bodhisattva Trilokyavijaya sculpture, a revered artefact crafted in the Lopburi art style, dating back to the 16 th–18th centuries of the Buddhist Era. Known locally as “Vimai,” the sculpture once stood at the Phimai Buddhist sanctuary, where it was venerated as a protector of Buddha images.
The second feature is a set of nine gold plaques inscribed with ancient Khmer script. Each plaque bears one of four auspicious words: Chaya (victory), Lapa (prosperity), Swasti (well-being), and Riddhi (growth and success). These artefacts, absent from Phimai for 90 years, have now returned permanently.
The museum’s special exhibition will be open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Visitors seeking more information can contact the museum on +66 4447 1167.
Following the conclusion of the exhibition, the museum will temporarily close for a major renovation, expected to last approximately one year. The restoration project aims to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the museum’s role as a custodian of Thailand’s cultural heritage.
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Located in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, the Phimai National Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Established in 1964, the museum features an extensive collection of artifacts from the Dvaravati, Khmer, and Lopburi periods, including sculptures, inscriptions, ceramics, and architectural fragments. Situated near the Phimai Historical Park, the museum complements visits to the Phimai Sanctuary, an 11th-century Khmer temple. Recent exhibitions, such as “Artifacts Returning Home to Phimai,” highlight the return of historical treasures after 90 years. The museum offeres valuable insights into Thailand’s ancient history.
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