Krung Thep Creative Streets: Bangkok Transformed into an Open-air museum
By Kathleen Pokrud
This September, Bangkok will host Krung Thep Creative Streets, a cultural initiative organised by the French Embassy with the support of numerous European and Thai partners, as part of the European Heritage Days 2025.
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Two main events will mark Krung Thep Creative Streets: The first, Street Art in Action, scheduled on 15–19 September, will see Thai and European street artists painting large-scale murals in different iconic neighbourhoods such as Charoen Krung, Talat Noi, South Sathorn, Surawong, and Lumphini. Residents, visitors and tourists will be able to watch these artworks take shape day after day, transforming the city into a vibrant open-air gallery. The second event, Heritage and Architecture, to be held on 20–21 September, will offer guided tours to over 25 historic sites, including beautifully preserved landmarks such as the French Residence on the bank of the Chao Phraya river and many other sites rarely accessible to the public.
The programme opened with a launch event hosted by the Danish Embassy on 3 September and will culminate during the European Heritage Days on 20–21 September, when both the historic building tours and completed street art will be unveiled. This will offer a unique opportunity to experience Bangkok from two angles – its timeless heritage and its bold contemporary creativity – while celebrating the cultural ties between Thailand and Europe.
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Programme
1. Street Art Residency
Date: 15–19 September
Locations: Murals across Charoen Krung (Soi 36, 34, 30, 43, 28), Soi Wanit 2, Rama IV (Hua Lamphong), Wireless Road (Alliance Française), Sathorn Soi 1, and Si Phraya (Na Wat Hua Lamphong, Sap Road).
Details: Local and international artists at work. Admission is free, and the public is welcome to observe the creative process.
2. Conference: Street Art & Heritage
Date: Thursday, 18 September, 2:00 PM
Venue: TCDC – Grand Post Office (Auditorium)
Speaker: Alisa Phommahaxay, independent curator, will explore how contemporary artists such as JR, Christo, Olivier Grossetête, and Zevs reinvent monuments and public space.
(Conducted in English with Thai translation.) Free entry (registration required).
3. Panel Discussion: Street Art Beyond the City
Date: Friday, 19 September, 7:00 PM
Venue: Alliance Française Bangkok – Auditorium
Program: Screening of Connections (21 minutes), followed by a panel discussion with artists on evolving practices from street art to galleries and installations.
(Conducted in English) / Free entry
4. Heritage & street art tours & visits
Date: 20–21 September, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Curated Itineraries:
- Saturday, 20 September
- Morning: Charoen Krung
- Afternoon: Talat Noi & Song Wat
- Sunday, 21 September
- Morning: From the Blue Elephant to Surawong
- Afternoon: From Alliance Française Bangkok to the Austrian Embassy (Sathorn Soi 1)
Guided Tours: Available in English and Thai (limited capacity; registration required). Visitors may also explore independently using suggested routes.
Special Access: Includes entry to heritage buildings, such as the Residence of France (registration and ID verification required).
Link to register for guided tours: https://forms.gle/uEzx8sAVYutFCVzW7
5. Closing Party: Residency Finale @ The Warehouse & The Clutch BKK
Date: Saturday, 20 September, from 6:00 PM
Venues: Warehouse Talat Noi (867 Charoen Krung Rd) & The Clutch BKK
- The Warehouse: Art market, live painting, TU! Illustratu performance, and DJ Dee Nasty.
- The Clutch BKK: Late-night sets with Sounds of Future Siam, Pichy or To-Ru, SABB, and more, continuing until 3:00 AM.
