Bangkok Art Biennale 2026 (BAB 2026) promises to transform Thailand?s capital into a vibrant canvas of contemporary art, running from late October to February 2027 across multiple iconic venues . This fifth edition is expected to feature over 0 artists from 40 countries, showcasing diverse works in painting, sculpture, video, performance, and immersive installations. Spread across historic temples, modern galleries, and public spaces like Wat Arun, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), and One Bangkok, the Biennale creates a citywide dialogue between art and culture . Curated by a team led by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, the event will likely explore a new theme addressing global issues like sustainability, identity, or technology, building on the 2024
Nurture Gaia concept. BAB 2026 is anticipated to draw over 70,000 visitors, offering a platform for both local Thai artists and international talents to engage with diverse audiences. Expect innovative sections like site-specific installations, virtual reality experiences, and community-driven projects that reflect Bangkok?s dynamic spirit. The Biennale will coincide with Thailand?s cultural season, amplifying its impact with parallel events during Bangkok Art Week. This immersive festival fosters cross-cultural exchange, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts worldwide .
Quick Facts
- Dates: Expected October 22?February 2 , 2027, with VIP preview on October 21 .
- Location: Multiple venues, including BACC, Wat Arun, and One Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand .
- Organizer: Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation, led by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda.
- Founded: 201 , as Thailand?s first major biennale.
- Visitor Numbers (2024): Over 60,000, with projections for growth in 2026.
- Presented By: Partners like Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thai Beverage, and One Bangkok.
Highlights
- Site-Specific Installations: Features works designed for iconic venues like Wat Pho and Central World .
- Performance Program: Showcases live art, music, and dance, blending traditional and contemporary forms.
- Virtual Reality Zone: Offers immersive digital experiences, expanding on BAB?s virtual platform.
- Artist Talks: Hosts discussions with global artists on contemporary themes .
- Community Projects: Engages local communities through collaborative art initiatives.
- Award Exhibitions: Spotlights emerging artists with prizes like the BAB Young Artist Award .
Organizer
- The Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation, established in 2017, orchestrates BAB with a focus on global art dialogue .
- Led by Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, a renowned curator with experience at the Venice Biennale.
- Supported by partners like the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Thailand Convention Bureau.
- The Foundation ensures diverse curation, blending local and international perspectives.
What to Attend
- Main Exhibition at BACC: Explore hundreds of works across floors 7?9, featuring sculptures and videos .
- Temple Installations: Discover site-specific art at Wat Arun and Wat Pho, blending heritage with modernity.
- Public Art at One Bangkok: View large-scale sculptures like Anish Kapoor?s S-Curve .
- Performance Events: Engage with live acts, from Thai dance to experimental performances.
- Symposiums and Talks: Join curated discussions on art, ecology, and culture.
- Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions for all ages, fostering creativity .
Ticket Information
- General Admission: Approximately THB 200?300, available via bkkartbiennale.com .
- VIP Preview Pass: Around THB 1,000 for exclusive access on October 21.
- Concessions: Free for children under 12; discounts for students and seniors (THB 100).
- Multi-Venue Pass: Expected at THB 500 for access to all 11 venues.
- Online Booking: Recommended for fast-track entry; on-site purchase may be limited.
- Group Rates: Contact info@bkkartbiennale.com for group discounts .
Getting There
- Location: Multiple venues across Bangkok, with BACC at 939 Rama 1 Road, Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River, and One Bangkok near Lumphini MRT .
- By BTS Skytrain: Take the Silom or Sukhumvit Line to Siam or National Stadium for BACC (5-minute walk).
- By MRT: Use the Blue Line to Lumphini for One Bangkok or Hua Lamphong for Wat Pho (10-minute taxi).
- By Bus: Routes 15, 47, or 50 stop near BACC; 73 or 79 for Wat Arun.
- By Boat: Take the Chao Phraya Express to N (Wat Arun) or N9 (Wat Pho), a scenic 20-minute ride.
- From Suvarnabhumi Airport: Use the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, then BTS to Siam (40 minutes total).
- By Taxi or Grab: A ride from central Bangkok to BACC costs THB 100?150; from the airport, THB 300?400.
- Accessibility: Most venues offer ramps; contact organizers for wheelchair assistance.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Use BTS, MRT, or bike-sharing like Pun Pun for a green approach.
- Navigation: Download the BAB app or use Google Maps for precise venue directions .
History
- Bangkok Art Biennale launched in 201 as Thailand?s first major contemporary art biennale, aiming to elevate Bangkok?s global cultural profile .
- The inaugural edition, Beyond Bliss, curated by Apinan Poshyananda, featured 75 artists across 20 venues, drawing 50,000 visitors.
- Held at sites like Wat Pho and BACC, it showcased works by Yayoi Kusama and Marina Abramovic.
- The 2020 edition, Escape Routes, adapted with a virtual platform, reaching 2.3 million online viewers.
- It introduced artists like Isaac Chong Wai, addressing themes of migration and freedom.
- In 2022, CHAOS : CALM explored post-pandemic resilience, with 73 artists and 200 works.
- The 2024 Nurture Gaia edition, with 76 artists from 39 countries, focused on ecology and feminism.
- Notable works included Anish Kapoor?s S-Curve and Haritorn Akarapat?s The Horde at Wat Arun.
- BAB has faced challenges, like the 2025 censorship controversy over works by Tibetan and Uyghur artists.
- Despite pressures, it has grown, with 340,000 total visitors across its first four editions.
- Partnerships with Thai Beverage and One Bangkok have sustained its expansion.
- The Biennale has spotlighted Thai artists like Pokchat Worasab, integrating local narratives.
- Its virtual platform, launched in 2020, continues to broaden global access.
- BAB 2026 is poised to build on this legacy, promising bold new commissions and themes .
Mission
- Bangkok Art Biennale?s mission is to transform Bangkok into a global hub for contemporary art, celebrating creativity and cultural exchange .
- It aims to foster dialogue between local and international artists, addressing pressing global issues.
- By integrating art into historic and public spaces, BAB makes creativity accessible to diverse audiences.
- The Biennale supports emerging Thai artists, nurturing the next generation of talent.
- It promotes inclusivity, showcasing diverse voices from Asia and beyond.
- BAB strives to inspire reflection and action through art, aligning with themes like ecology and community .
Tips for Visitors
- Book tickets early via bkkartbiennale.com to secure VIP preview access .
- Start at BACC for the main exhibition, then visit temples for site-specific works.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore multiple venues across Bangkok?s bustling streets.
- Use the BAB app for real-time schedules, maps, and artist profiles.
- Attend talks and symposiums for insights into the Biennale?s themes.
- Stay hydrated at venue cafes offering Thai iced tea and snacks.
- Engage with artists for deeper understanding of their works.
- Respect no-touch and no-flash photography rules to protect artworks.
- Bring kids for free entry (under 12) and family-friendly workshops.
- Combine with visits to Jim Thompson House or MOCA Bangkok for a cultural day .
- Use BTS or MRT to navigate venues efficiently and avoid traffic.
- Arrive early for performances to secure good viewing spots.
- Network at VIP events for collector and artist connections.
- Follow up with galleries post-Biennale for purchase inquiries.
- Check social media (@bkkartbiennale) for updates and surprises .
