The Museum of Siam is housed in the former Ministry of Commerce – a handsome Italianate building that was designed by Mario Tamagno. The project was finished in 1922 and was converted into its present incarnation in 2007. A Milanese architect, Tamagno was also the designer of many other important Bangkok landmarks, including the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
The Museum of Siam is spread over three floors and features excellent permanent interactive exhibits that explore what it means to be Thai through ancient and contemporary history. Buddhism, village life, and politics and communication are some of the themes that are examined.