WHY designs first major contemporary art museum in thailand
Named after the Thai word for ‘raw’ or ‘authentic,’ Dib Bangkok, Thailand’s first major museum dedicated to international contemporary art, is set to open in December 2025. Kulapat Yantrasast and WHY Architecture transform a 1980s warehouse in downtown Bangkok into a 6,600-square-meter, three-story institution featuring eleven gallery spaces, a central courtyard, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a penthouse for special events.
The inaugural exhibition of Dib Bangkok, themed Invisible Presence, pays tribute to art collector and singer Petch Osathanugrah’s artistic vision, presenting major works from the museum’s collection, including pieces by Montien Boonma, Lee Bul, Anselm Kiefer, and Alicja Kwade. The show will explore the interplay of seen and unseen forces in contemporary art.
images courtesy of Dib Bangkok
Dib Bangkok unfolds across three levels
The museum, founded by Purat (Chang) Osathanugrah, carries forward the artistic legacy of his late father, Petch Osathanugrah, whose renowned private collection serves as the foundation for Dib Bangkok’s exhibitions. Reflecting Bangkok’s evolving role as an international art hub, American practice WHY architecture’s design follows a contemplative journey across three levels. The ground floor retains the industrial origins of the former warehouse with exposed concrete surfaces, creating a raw, grounding experience. The second floor, inspired by introspection, features an old Thai-Chinese window grille—a vestige of the building’s past—encouraging a deeper connection between space and history. The top floor is dedicated to white-cube galleries illuminated by natural skylights, culminating in the sawtooth roof that defines the silhouette of the museum. Additional architectural highlights include The Chapel, a cone-shaped gallery clad in mosaic tiles, designed as a meditative space for immersive installations.
‘With Dib Bangkok, we wanted to create a space that mirrors the city’s creative energy—an anchor for contemporary art that sparks curiosity and connection,’ says founder Purat (Chang) Osathanugrah. ‘Art is the ripest fruit of human imagination, and this museum will be a place where reflection and play coexist, where every visit offers something unexpected.’
Dib Bangkok is Thailand’s first major museum dedicated to international contemporary art
a global platform for artistic exchange and creative learning
Dib Bangkok’s leadership team brings together international expertise. Dr. Miwako Tezuka, former Gallery Director of the Japan Society in New York, serves as the museum’s director, while Ariana Chaivaranon, with experience at Harvard Art Museums and UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing, takes on the role of curator. Together, they aim to position Dib Bangkok as a global platform for artistic exchange and creative learning. Beyond its exhibitions, Dib Bangkok willl also serve as a cultural hub, fostering dialogue among artists, curators, and the public. As Thai art scene continues to expand, the museum marks a significant step in connecting Bangkok with the international contemporary art world.
WHY Architecture transforms a 1980s warehouse in downtown Bangkok into a three-story institution
the museum houses eleven gallery spaces, a central courtyard, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a penthouse
Petch Osathanugrah’s private collection serves as the foundation for the exhibitions at Dib Bangkok