The center opened only a few months ago in the historical building on Prapokklao Road in the very center of the old city. The building itself is significant because it was built in 1924 as the central administrative office of northern Thailand before the country united in 1933. Then it was used until very recently as the Provincial Hall of Chiangmai until the municipality renovated it for the cultural center in 1997. Visitors won't be surprised to know that the restoration of this elegant building earned the municipality an award from the Royal Society of Siamese Architects in 1999.
The actual site of the Arts & Cultural Center is on the original "navel of the city". On any map of the old city, you will find it almost smack-dab-in-the-middle of the square. During the height of the Lanna Kingdom's last royal dynasty, the site was used for the royal hall. The Chedi of the City Navel was built here in the 13th century, and still stands on the south side of the building. It was originally built in the Haripunchai (Lamphun) style but has been restored and renovated throughout the city's history. This historic site also housed the ancient Inthakhin city pillar before it was moved to nearby Wat Chedi Luang.
The Three Kings Monument in front of the building commemorates the three 13th century kings who chose the auspicious site for the "new city" of Chiangmai.