Housed in the 1903 vintage palace of Nan’s last two feudal lords, this museum first opened its doors in 1973. In terms of collection and content, it’s one of the country’s better provincial museums, and has English labels for most items. It was closed for renovations when we were in town, but is expected to re-open with much the same focus.
The ground floor has ethnological exhibits covering the various ethnic groups found in the province. Among the items on display are silverwork, textiles, folk utensils and tribal costumes.
On the 2nd floor are exhibits on Nan history, archaeology, local architecture, royal regalia, weapons, ceramics and religious art. Of the latter, the museum’s collection of Buddha images includes some rare Lanna styles as well as the floppy-eared local styles. Also on display on the 2nd floor is a rare ‘black’ elephant tusk said to have been presented to a Nan lord over 300 years ago by the Khün ruler of Chiang Tung (Kyaingtong).
