The Supreme Artist Hall
To honor the King for his great artistic and social contributions, the government had the Supreme Artist Hall constructed to record and showcase the King�s artistic and national development achievements. Construction started in 1996 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne. The Office of the National Culture Commission implemented the Supreme Artist Hall project, which was named after the �Supreme Artist� title that the office had given to the King in 1986. Apart from exhibiting the King�s genius, the well-equipped Supreme Artist Hall also showcases the works of Thai national artists, to serve the intention of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The Princess once stated, �The works of national artists are a valuable part of our national heritage. They represent Thai civilization, which all Thai people should be proud of. The works of national artists have been disappearing for many reasons.
Therefore, it is urgently essential that we study their works and register the works systematically in the interest of promoting national education and protecting national assets in the long run.� The Supreme Artist Hall functions not only as a �vault� to protect the valuable works of national artists but also as a place where national artists can exchange their experience and knowledge and transfer their expertise to students and other interested people. In this respect, the Supreme Artist Hall is a center for public education and research. The hall also facilitates cooperation and coordination between government and private agencies, both local and overseas, when they plan to organize events and activities and exchange artistic and cultural works.
The contemporary Thai architectural style of the Supreme Artist Hall prominently combines functionality with the Thai identity. The hall, which is the main building in the compound, exhibits the history of His Majesty the King and much of the work produced by the King as the Supreme Artist. The hall is situated in the middle of other buildings, which form a U shape. The formation of these buildings represents the concept that the Supreme Artist is surrounded by the national artists, who receiv