Get ready to celebrate 40 years of River City Bangkok with an extraordinary showcase of art, antiques, and a multitude of exhibitions!
River City Bangkok was founded on December 1, 1984, by Mr. Adisorn Charanachitta (1952 – 2003), a former executive of The Oriental Hotel (now The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Bangkok) and Italthai (now the Italthai Group). Situated along a picturesque curve (aka the dragon’s belly) of the Chao Phraya River, River City Bangkok (originally known as River City) emerged as the first shopping centre on the river’s banks, renowned for its exquisite collection of rare antiques from around the globe. This iconic destination quickly became a haven for collectors, both local and international, who traveled far and wide to acquire the treasured pieces they had long sought after.
In 2017, Ms. Linda Cheng took on the role of Managing Director at River City Bangkok with a visionary goal: to transform this iconic location into a premier art and antique centre. By dedicating some of its spaces to art exhibitions, she aimed to make River City Bangkok a hub for creative expression and a showcase for artists’ talents. This transformation of promoting appreciation of all forms of art turned the centre into not just a place for artistic learning and appreciation, but also a serene retreat for art lovers. The impact of this change extended beyond the flourishing art industry; it provided artists, art enthusiasts, and collectors with the opportunity to elevate the Thai art scene to an international level.
The idea of integrating exhibitions into River City Bangkok found its profound beginning with the “EXODUS” photo exhibition by award-winning photographer Patrick Brown, in collaboration with UNICEF. This powerful collection, capturing the stark realities faced by refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, was chosen with great intention to launch the RCB Photographers’ Gallery. By selecting “EXODUS” as the first-ever exhibition in the newly renovated contemporary art floor, River City Bangkok not only showcased a poignant reminder of human suffering but also imbued the gallery’s opening with a deep sense of purpose and meaning. Held on the second floor, this exhibition marked the beginning of a significant new chapter for the centre, setting a powerful tone for the impactful cultural journey ahead. Following this, River City Bangkok expanded its exhibition offerings by embracing interactive experiences in collaboration with international organisations. The first groundbreaking collaboration was co-organised by the National Palace Museum of Taiwan (NPM) and was NPM’s first large-scale new media art exhibition in Southeast Asia. Utilising cutting-edge technology like multimedia projection, the centre created vivid, immersive experiences for visitors. Exhibitions such as “Monet to Kandinsky”, “Van Gogh: Life and Art”, and “The Impressionists” quickly established River City Bangkok as Thailand’s premier destination for diverse and trendsetting art exhibitions. It is worthy to note that during the global pandemic, River City Bangkok persevered with the opening of “Andy Warhol: Pop Art” by presenting hundreds of original artworks by the artist and attracted over 20,000 visitors in 2020.
Today, River City Bangkok has evolved into Thailand’s leading art and cultural hub, serving as a vibrant ecosystem of artistry, creativity, and history. It is home to numerous independent galleries, provides a haven for resident artists, and hosts exhilarating rotating exhibitions featuring both local and international talents. At its core, River City Bangkok continues to uphold its original mission as a gathering place for antique treasures from around the globe, presented by passionate collectors and antique dealers. Additionally, RCB Auctions offers a thrilling opportunity for both seasoned connoisseurs and fledgling collectors to discover rare and elusive artifacts that have withstood the test of time.
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, River City Bangkok will mark the occasion with a grand exhibition of art, antiques, and thrilling displays at the end of 2024. This special event will offer guests the chance to delve into the rich history and cherish the invaluable legacy that has been passed down through generations, showcasing River City Bangkok’s role as Thailand’s premier art and antique cultured lifestyle centre.
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River City Bangkok sounds like an inspiring place! The transformation into an art and culture hub is phenomenal.
Absolutely! It gives artists a great platform to showcase their work. The interactive experiences sound particularly engaging.
It’s about time Bangkok has a dedicated space for immersive art! I think this will put Thai artists on the map globally.
Agree, but let’s not forget it’s also a haven for antique lovers. The auctions are a hidden gem!
The EXODUS photo exhibition sounds both powerful and heartbreaking. It’s incredible how art can bring global issues to light.
For sure! Art has a unique power to touch people’s hearts and make them more empathetic.
While it’s great for raising awareness, how much does it really change? We need more actionable solutions.
True, but raising awareness is the first step. You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know it exists.
Action matters, but so does storytelling. Art gives a voice to those who are often unheard.
Actions speak louder than photos. Hopefully, this exhibition led to tangible help for the refugees.
I’m excited about the upcoming exhibition for the 40th anniversary. Hopefully they’ll bring in even more international talent.
River City Bangkok is a perfect blend of the old and new. The fact they maintained their dedication to antiques while pushing forward into contemporary art is commendable.
Maintaining such a balance is rare nowadays. Most places lean towards either antiques or modern art.
Actually, I think it’s a bit overwhelming. They should focus more on one aspect, either art or antiques.
Why not both? It makes for a richer, more diverse experience.
Linda Cheng’s vision has truly transformed River City Bangkok. Her leadership deserves high praise.
The fact they hosted ‘Monet to Kandinsky’ and ‘Van Gogh: Life and Art’ makes me want to visit even more.
Those exhibitions are game changers. Seeing such legendary work in Bangkok is a rare treat.
Not a fan of combining art exhibitions with an antique market. The vibe feels too commercial for true art appreciation.
I disagree. The commercial aspect supports the art space, making it sustainable.
It’s more about the purity of the experience. Art shouldn’t be about making sales.
Art has always had a patronage system. Sales keep artists funded and motivated.
Couldn’t agree more with Phillip. Art spaces that focus on commerce lose their integrity.
An auction house for antiques within an art center is brilliant. It’s like walking through history and culture all at once.
Absolutely! Where else can you find a Picasso next to a 17th-century Ming vase?
It’s cool they continued the exhibitions even during the global pandemic. That’s dedication.
Hadn’t thought of that – they must have taken big financial risks. Kudos to them!
Right? It shows their commitment to art and culture over pure profit.
The global pandemic made many centers close, but River City Bangkok soldiered on. Shows their resilience.
The National Palace Museum of Taiwan collaborating for new media art exhibitions is a huge deal. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
I visited River City Bangkok last year; the atmosphere was electric. This 40th anniversary is going to be spectacular.
RCB has been a place where I can appreciate art and history together. This celebration marks an important milestone for the community.