The site on which the National Gallery is now situated had been used for the viceroy residence from the reign of King Rama I. Later on, King Rama V commanded a mint to be built along the old town canal near Wat Chanasongkram so the viceroy residence was demolished and the Royal Mint was built. The building is an example of the Western style of architecture created by Italian architects that was popular for royal buildings of that period. The mint was given the name “Sitthikan” and was used until 1968.