The domed neoclassical building behind the Rama V Memorial was originally built as a royal reception hall during the reign of Rama V, but wasn't completed until 1915, five years after his death. Today the building houses an exhibit called Arts of the Kingdom, which, like the nearby Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, displays the products of Queen Sirikit’s Support foundation.
The hall was designed as a place to host – and impress – foreign dignitaries, and on occasion it still serves this purpose, most notably during celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th year on the throne, when royals from around the world converged here in full regalia (you may encounter a much-published picture of this meeting while in Bangkok). The first meeting of the Thai parliament was held in the building before being moved to a facility nearby.
