MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum

Overview

MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum is a privately funded gallery 15 km east of the city centre, housed in a converted warehouse clad in over 5 million mirrored mosaic tiles. Its collection focuses on contemporary Thai and Southeast Asian art, with rotating international exhibitions.

Highlights

• Mirror Façade: The building's mosaic exterior reflects the surrounding rice fields and sky—a photo landmark in itself.
• Permanent Collection: Works by leading Thai artists including Rirkrit Tiravanija, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, and Navin Rawanchaikul.
• Rotating Exhibitions: Two to three temporary shows per year bring international contemporary work.

History

Founded in 2016 by Chiang Mai collectors Jean Michel Beurdeley and Eric Bunnag Booth, MAIIAM (meaning "new" in Thai) occupies a former import-export warehouse in the San Kamphaeng corridor. It has rapidly become a must-visit for art lovers.

Visitor Tips

• Closed Tuesdays: The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
• Café: The on-site café is excellent; budget time for a coffee stop.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.