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Erawan Museum: with the world’s first, and largest, manually-tapped sculptural art in Samut Prakan.
Located not too far from Bangkok, while affording easy access, the Erawan Museum is situated on the old Sukhumvit Road between Bang Phli Intersection and Pak Nam Intersection in Samut Prakan Province. Leaving Bangkok, a large “Erawan Elephant” sign, stands majestically, attracting piety upon your first glance. Erawan is Lord Indra’s three-headed elephant and according to religious belief, is Lord Siva, or Lord Indra’s personal elephant for transporting the Lords anywhere in the Heavens.

The sculpture of the Erawan Elephant is considered to be the world’s first, and largest, manually-tapped work of art. An impressive 43.60 meters tall, the outer structure is fashioned from pure copper following the concept that copper, through from pure copper following the concept that copper, through oxidation, will turn a dull green colour, close to the skin texture of an elephant. To ensure the elephant took on the form of a lively animation, experienced artisans, using their renowned skills and expertise, fashioned the exterior copper, so that the Erawan Elephant closely resembles a real animal, with properly proportioned heads, body trunk, tusks and ceremonial dress.

Inside the Erawan Museum three exhibitions are found in accordance with the concept of the threefold spheres of existence -  earth, heaven and hell.

The lower floor depicts hell, with a statue of the King of the Nagas, and anodad pond (a heavenly pond full of water lilies) with stones formed in a circle. The exhibition reflects the background of the Erawan Museum, Ancient City and Castle of Truth with a unique display of various objects d’art, that are part of Lek Viriyapan’s collection for the public and new generations to observe and appreciate.

The second exhibition represents the earth and includes a collection of artifacts from Thai heritage and other arts, all beautifully displayed. Some objects were designed and made by well-known artisans from Phetchaburi, while others include Southern arts – using tin to fashion a collection of beautiful objects with a distinctive Thai identity.

The exhibition looks a treat from every aspect, especially the tinpressing arts that depict the miraculous narration of 4 religions – Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Tao. The construction of each pillar of religion took at least 5 years to complete.

Silver and gold stairs have been created from the artistic pottery of Phechaburi, decorated with colourful tiles, which evolved during the reign of King Rama III, in the Ratanakosin Period, using chinaware, which today, is applied using benjarong, or five-colored porcelain, broken into pieces and attached to form different designs accrding to ancient beliefs. This delicate decoration starts at the bottom and continues to the top, where a portal stands. The portal houses avalokitesuan bodhisattva, and ancient Chinese art form  from the Sui Dynasty, of about 1,300 years ago.

The ceiling is decorated with German stained glass to form a world map, designed by Jacob Schwascof.

The third exhibition is a depiction of heaven, painted in a light blue shade to create and ambience of peace and concentration. In front, is the Heavenly Chamber, housing holy Buddha images in different postures, while the ceiling has been painted to resemble a solar system.

The Erawan Museum is open daily from 08.00-18.00 hours.

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