Baan Dam Museum
The Black House
Located in the town of Chiang Rai, home of the White Temple. The black house or Baan Dam Museum could be considered the White Temple’s gothic brother.
Main Viharra Hall
Baan (house) Dam (Black) in Thai literally means black house and was home to international Thai artist Thawan Duchanee.
Wall Mural of Thawan and various parts of Baan Dam
Sculpture of Thawan Duchanee
Thawan Duchanee (Sep 27, 1939 - Sep 3, 2014) was a Thai contemporary painter, architect and sculpture with an international reputation. Not only famous for his paintings but also architecture. His masterpiece is Baan Dam.
Rock circle
Baan Dam is not just one structure but a collection of around 40 buildings mostly with a lana style of architecture. The buildings are dotted around peaceful and almost zen like gardens.
Three A frame houses
The grounds consist of almost 50 acres of land and mostly black buildings housing Thawan’s collection of his travels.
Hornbill house on the grounds
Baan Dam was Thawan’s residence until his passing in September of 2014.
Wooden Buddha in black
Crazed wood carved face
The cluster of houses accomodates Thawan’s eccentric collection of items. The serene and bizarre coexist in a peculiar sort of way.
Wood carved figure and other items
Various bones, skins and skulls are housed in almost every building.
Thawan used these items as an inspiration to paint. It is definately not a place for animal lovers, there are many other items of interest as well.
Snake skins used as a table runner
Thawan’s accommodation with the smaller dome being used as his meditation room
Carved detail
You will find an incredible amount of wood carved details on the houses scattered around the grounds.
Lanna style architecture
The Black House is well worth a few hours if your in Chiang Rai. The grounds are serene even with the artist’s collection of the unusual.