First opened its doors in 1961, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum was built to collect and display antiques, Buddha images and precious items found in the underground crypts of the prang (pagoda) tower of Wat Ratchaburana. The museum was named after the king who ordered the construction of Wat Ratchaburana, King Borommarachathirat II or Chao Sam Phraya. At its opening it was the first museum in Thailand that displays items in the western, modern style. Exhibitions are displayed in three buildings, featuring artifacts in different time periods from archaeological excavations around Thailand.