Bangkok is buzzing over the opening of Dib Bangkok, a striking new contemporary-art museum in the heart of the city. Founded by Purat Osathanugraph and inspired by his late father, legendary art collector Petch Osathanugrah, Dib, with its bold architecture and photogenic spaces, is already set to become a favorite backdrop for creatives.
Named after the Thai word for “raw,” Dib is a vast, modern complex that makes full use of its indoor and outdoor spaces. Highlights include a dramatic central courtyard; The Chapel, a cone-shaped gallery with a mosaic exterior; an elevated sculpture garden; and a rooftop penthouse for special events. A permanent installation by American artist James Turrell, Straight Up, anchors the experience, leading visitors up a towering staircase to his camera obscura room. Works by international artists such as Sho Shibuya and Paloma Varga Weisz are shown alongside celebrated Thai artists, including Pinaree Sanpitak and the late Montien Boonma.
Housed in a redesigned 1980s steel warehouse by Kulapat Yantrasast of WHY Architecture with A49, Dib feels open, calm, and deliberately reflective, offering a very different pace from Bangkok’s malls and mixed-use spaces. More than just another gallery, Dib signals a growing appetite for contemporary art in the city and marks an exciting new chapter for Bangkok’s creative scene.
Visitor information:
Dib Bangkok can be found at 111 Soi Sukhumvit 40, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 and is open Thursday to Monday, 10:00–19:00 (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). Tickets should be purchased in advance at dibbangkok.org.
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