Dib Bangkok

Asian Capital City Bangkok Finally Has A Stunning New Contemporary Art Gallery

Housed in a formerly disused 1980s warehouse, this new international contemporary art gallery in Bangkok offers a state-of-the-art exhibition space that feels like a work of art in its own right. Conceived by businessman and art collector Purat ‘Chang’ Osathanugrah and realized by architect Kulapat Yantrasast, the 7000-square-foot gallery has been meticulously designed with intimate walkways that open into wide, glass-walled rooms where the light and overall viewing experience naturally shift throughout the day. The collection spans more than seven decades and multiple continents, pairing loads of Thai art with international works from around the world to create “a home where diverse voices in art can meet, resonate, and inspire.” Its mission is to offer a ‘meditative space’ where visitors can pause, reflect and enjoy the present moment, a concept that extends even to its name, with ‘dib’ translating to ‘raw’ or ‘natural’ in English. Neutral-toned materials like concrete, glass, and steel, combined with soft lighting, create an unobtrusive backdrop that never distracts from the art. Currently, the star attraction is ‘Straight Up’ by American artist James Turrell, his first full-scale work in Thailand, featuring two rooms including a signature ‘Skyspace’—a circular chamber with a single opening to the sky. The gallery is open Thursday to Monday, with visits organised via advance ticket booking. - Annie McNamee