Darapirom Palace Museum

Daraphirom Palace Museum

was built soon after King Rama VI gave his permission for Princess Dararasmee to return to Chiang Mai after the death of King Chulalongkorn.

The princess used the place for a number of different activities. She was deeply involved in the restoration and preservation of Northern Thai (Lanna) arts and culture. She took part in efforts to promote Buddhism.

She was also interested in agriculture and had an experimental garden, which she called “Suan Chao Sabai”, planted on the palace grounds. Here she grew new varieties of roses sent to her by the Rose Growers Association of England. Her favorite was a large, fragrant, showy pink rose which she named “Chulalongkorn” in honor of the King.

Princess Dararasmee was one of the favorite consorts of King Chulalongkorn. Not only was she beautiful, but her alliance with the Chakri monarch helped to improve relations between the court in Chiang Mai and the royal court in Bangkok.

Strengthened ties between these two regions of the country proved to be extremely beneficial to the Kingdom of Siam.

In her will, the Princess bequeathed Daraphirom Palace Museum to her relatives. Later it was purchased by Chulalongkorn University, and the official deed to the property was acquired by the University some time later.

The Palace is a national treasure, part of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, and as such, Chulalongkorn University appreciates the importance of protecting it. The University has carried out extensive renovations to return the Palace to its original state.

A decision was also made to open the Palace to the public as a museum, showcasing objects connected with the life and activities of Princess Dararasmee. The University has been fortunate in receiving generous support for these efforts from the members of the Northern nobility, local merchants, and the general public, who have contributed much of the current collection.

When the University obtained the property, it was in a state of disrepair, although the basic structure remained sound. The Palace is a prime example of Western-influenced architecture built in Thailand in the early years of the 20th century. Before restoration work got under way in October 1998, it was decided to be as faithful as possible to the building’s original design. A collection of objects associated with the life of the Princess was assembled and placed in the various rooms to recreate as closely as possible the Palace as it was at the time the Princess resided here. Chulalongkorn University is greatful to all those who helped in the restoration of this historic national treasure

The museum was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Kalayanee Vadhana on December 9, 1999, and has been open to the public ever since.

Chulalongkorn University hopes that the Daraphirom Palace Museum will make clear to visitors today the tremendous debt they owe to Princess Dararasmee, who devoted much of her life to helping the people of Northern Thailand. This palace was the last and best-loved residence of The Princess.

Next to Daraphirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University has also constructed the Rasamee Thasana Building, housing temporary exhibits on the life of the Princess and on Lanna arts and culture.

1.Corridor : An exhibit on the history of the Chiang Mai dynasty, the life of Princess Dararasmee and Daraphirom Palace Museum.

2. Living room : Objects associated with the life of Princess Dararasmee and household items from the period.

3. Bedroom : Objects associated with the life of Princess Dararasmee and household items from the period.

4. Lounge : A collection of dishes, personal effects and musical instruments.

: Highlighting the Princess’s involvement in religion, agriculture and the arts.

5.

6. Exhibit room : Clothing and textiles designed by the Princess. Examples of clothing that blend Bangkok and Northern Thai style dress.

Downstairs: Collection of farming implements used at the experimental farm “Suan Chao Sabai.” Weaving equipment used to make clothes for the Princess.