The Erawan Museum stands out among art galleries for its conceptual design. Seeing the museum from afar for the first time, one might mistake it for a large statue. In fact, most of the architectural composition is indeed occupied by a giant sculpture of a three-headed elephant cast from iron. Its dimensions are impressive: the height is about 30 meters, the weight is 150 tons. The elephant is an important element of Buddhist mythology, and its name is Erawan (hence the name of the museum), while its three heads symbolize 33 heavenly spheres.
Inside the elephant museum is a unique collection dedicated to the ancient art of Thailand. Masterfully crafted bas-reliefs, statues, stained-glass windows, paintings, antiques, and religious paintings are lavishly displayed and look stunningly beautiful.
The museum was built in Samut Prakan Province, not very far from Bangkok, with money from local millionaire philanthropist Lek Viriyaphant, who financed the project for nearly ten years. Next to the museum there is a garden that resembles Eden: lakes with waterfalls and fountains, a riot of greenery, and an abundance of mythological sculptures make you want to stay here forever.
