via Thai PBS, 04 August 2023: The Defence Hall Museum, located in a neo-classical building dating back to King Rama V’s reign, showcases the history of Thai military and houses a collection of 40 bronze cannons from different countries, including the Ayutthaya period. The museum offers insight into Thai history, architecture, and armaments.
Painted yellow with elegant white and green borders, the museum stands out for its flawless design inspired by Andrea Palladio’s principles of symmetry and architectural excellence. Throughout the years, it has maintained its prominence and continues to captivate people of various generations. It graces numerous modern media platforms and is a much-loved backdrop for countless pictures.
The museum tour begins inside the building, in a small room where guides greet visitors before showing a short introductory film. This video not only delves into the history of the site’s construction but also offers a glimpse of Siam’s capital in bygone eras. The scenes portrayed are rarely seen elsewhere and include the picturesque landscape of the Grand Palace and buildings of over a century ago, a tram passing by the side of the building, the early uniforms worn by foreign military trainers, and even the significant flooding events Bangkok has faced over the years.