Key Takeaways
An Overview of the Unique Museum
In 2013, an innovative museum emerged from a collaboration between Siriraj Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, Ratchasuda College at Mahidol University, The Bangkok School for the Blind, and the Foundation for the Blind in thailand, under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The establishment of this museum was intended to commemorate the Birthday Anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen on August 12, 2013. The museum is distinctively designed to accommodate both those with normal vision and individuals with visual impairments. Through a tactile experience, visitors can explore the exhibits. Additionally, individuals who are deaf can appreciate the elegance of Her Majesty The Queen via the replicated Ceres coin and music composed specifically to honor her royal grace, which has gained international recognition.
Visitor Experience and Exhibition Layout
To enhance the visitor experience, museum sessions are structured to accommodate 2-4 visitors at a time, with sessions divided into two viewing lines. Each session lasts 40 minutes, allowing visitors to engage with the exhibits at each station within a fixed time frame. Visitors are provided with audio guides that offer automatic descriptions of each station, accompanied by guidelines that specify time limits. The descriptions are crafted to be easily understood by everyone. Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are guided along a railing. At each station, a tactile sign indicates where to pause. The exhibition comprises eight stations, focusing on medication and basic self-care.
Location and Visitor Information
Address and Contact Information:
- Location: Adulyadej Vikrom Building, 2nd Floor, Siriraj Hospital, 2 Wang Lang Road, Siri Rat Khet, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
- Telephone: 0 2419 2601, 0 2419 2618-9
- Fax: 0 2411 0166
- Website: Siriraj Museum
- Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Tuesdays and Public Holidays).
- The ticket office closes at 4 pm.
Admission Fees:
- Foreigners (18 years and older): 200 baht
- Thai citizens (18 years and older): 80 baht
- Children under 18 years (height from 120 cm): 25 baht
- Children under 120 cm in height: Free
Transportation:
- Bus Routes: 57, 81, 146, 149, and 157
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: Rod Fai Pier
- Ferry Boat Routes: Tha Prachan-Wang Lang, Tha Chang-Wang Lang, Tha Maharaj-Wang Lang
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Detailed Exploration of the Museum
The Founding and Purpose
Founded in 2013, the museum is a product of a significant partnership between several esteemed institutions, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The initiative was driven by the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, the Ratchasuda College of Mahidol University, The Bangkok School for the Blind, and the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand. Through these collaborations, the museum was established under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, with the primary goal of marking her birthday anniversary on August 12.
The museum stands out due to its unique design, which accommodates the needs of both individuals with normal vision and those with visual impairments. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can engage with and enjoy the exhibits. By incorporating tactile experiences, the museum offers a rich, sensory exploration of its displays. For visitors who are deaf, the museum provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Her Majesty The Queen through a replicated Ceres coin and a specially composed piece of music honoring her royal grace. This music has been recognized worldwide, highlighting the cross-cultural appeal and significance of the museum’s offerings.
Visitor Experience
The museum’s visitor experience is meticulously structured to ensure that each individual can fully engage with the exhibits. Upon arrival, visitors are organized into small groups of 2-4 per session, which are divided into two viewing lines. This organization allows for a more intimate and personalized exploration of the museum’s offerings.
Each session spans 40 minutes, providing ample time for visitors to delve into the details of each exhibit station. The museum is equipped with an audio guide system, which automatically delivers descriptions and explanations of each station. These guides are designed to be easily comprehensible, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of their background, can appreciate the exhibits.
The tactile nature of the museum experience is emphasized by the use of railings and signs. Visitors are guided along a predetermined path, with railings installed to assist their navigation. At each station, a tactile sign is present, prompting visitors to pause and engage with the exhibit. This approach not only enhances accessibility for individuals with visual impairments but also enriches the experience for all visitors.
The exhibition is divided into eight distinct stations, each focusing on different aspects of medication and basic self-care. This division allows visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of these crucial topics, presented in an interactive and engaging manner.
Location and Accessibility
The museum is conveniently located in the Adulyadej Vikrom Building, on the second floor of Siriraj Hospital. Situated at 2 Wang Lang Road, Siri Rat Khet, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, the museum is easily accessible via various modes of transportation.
For those traveling by bus, the museum can be reached via routes 57, 81, 146, 149, and 157. Additionally, visitors can utilize the Chao Phraya Express Boat, disembarking at Rod Fai Pier. For those opting for ferry services, routes such as Tha Prachan-Wang Lang, Tha Chang-Wang Lang, and Tha Maharaj-Wang Lang provide convenient access.
Operating Hours and Admission
The museum operates from Monday to Sunday, with doors open from 10 am to 5 pm. It is important to note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. To facilitate visitor planning, the ticket office remains open until 4 pm daily.
Admission fees are structured to accommodate a diverse range of visitors. Foreigners aged 18 and above are charged an entry fee of 200 baht, while Thai citizens of the same age group enjoy a reduced fee of 80 baht. Children under 18 years old, with a height of 120 cm or more, are charged 25 baht, and those under 120 cm in height are granted free entry.
Contact Information
For additional information or inquiries, visitors can contact the museum via telephone at 0 2419 2601 or 0 2419 2618-9. Fax communications can be sent to 0 2411 0166. The museum also maintains an online presence, with a website accessible at Siriraj Museum and an email address at [email protected].
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Conclusion
The museum, founded in 2013, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of several prestigious institutions in Thailand. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, the museum offers a unique and enriching experience for all visitors, regardless of their sensory abilities. Through its tactile exhibits and structured visitor sessions, the museum ensures that everyone can engage with and appreciate its offerings. Conveniently located and easily accessible, the museum is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the intersections of culture, history, and accessibility in a meaningful way.