With a storied history that has shaped Thailand’s art scene and elevated it to global prominence, River City Bangkok celebrated its 40th anniversary on December 3, 2024, with the grand event “40 Years of Magnificent Art and Antiques.” The occasion highlighted the enduring achievements of this iconic centre for art and culture, a gateway that has tirelessly championed and supported artistic excellence.
The celebration was graced by an esteemed gathering of distinguished guests, artists, gallery owners, supporters, and partners who joined in commemorating this milestone. Attendees were treated to an exclusive showcase of extraordinary artworks and antiques, curated to honour the rich history and significance of this iconic centre of art and culture. Adding to the evening’s splendour, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and vocalists from Heavenly Voice Nancy’s Studio delivered captivating musical performances, enriching the atmosphere of this unforgettable celebration.
At the heart of the 40th-anniversary celebration, Ms Linda Cheng, Managing Director of River City Bangkok, announced an exciting new chapter for the iconic art and cultural centre. In her inspiring address, Linda shared a vision of transforming River City Bangkok into a sanctuary where art of all forms can thrive, evolve, and inspire boundlessly. As she eloquently stated:“River City Bangkok is A Place Where Art Lives, Breathes, and Inspires.”
This renewed mission aims to create opportunities for Thai audiences to engage with a diverse array of artistic expressions. From contemporary art, theatrical productions, and musical performances to film screenings and the enduring beauty of antiques that risk being lost to time, River City Bangkok is committed to preserving and promoting these treasures.
The centre will continue to nurture and elevate the richness of art in all its forms, ensuring its survival and growth. At River City Bangkok, art will always find a home—a space to flourish, transform, and inspire future generations.
River City Bangkok proudly presents two special exhibitions as part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations, offering visitors a profound exploration of its rich history and enduring legacy:
1. “Ad Astra Per Aspera: Through Hardships to the Stars”
This historical exhibition takes visitors on a journey back 40 years to 1 December 1984, when River City Bangkok was born from the visionary dream of Mr Adisorn Charanachitta, the founder of Thailand’s first riverside antiques centre. The exhibition showcases the remarkable story of its inception, featuring an array of personal and historical artefacts, including letters, journals, personal belongings, and the private notes of Mr Adisorn. These pieces illuminate the foundation of what began as “River City Shopping Complex” and its evolution into the esteemed art and cultural hub we know today.
2. “Before Sunrise”
This captivating exhibition brings together the works of over 40 talented artists from seven renowned galleries, all showcased under the unifying theme of “Before Sunrise”. The concept symbolises hope and the profound beauty of emerging from darkness into light, mirroring the journey of resilience and growth. The exhibition serves as a tribute to River City Bangkok’s remarkable four-decade-long odyssey, celebrating its enduring legacy and the brighter horizons that lie ahead. Each artwork is a testament to the power of perseverance and the promise of a new dawn, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of this milestone occasion.
Finally, River City Bangkok extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this monumental milestone. To our supporters and partners who have journeyed with us through the decades, your unwavering dedication has been integral to our success and continued presence. We could not have achieved our goals without your encouragement and contributions.
Our 40th-anniversary celebration is more than a tribute to our storied history since the founding of River City Bangkok. It marks the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter—a journey fuelled by our unwavering commitment to supporting and elevating the Thai art scene to even greater heights. With sincere determination, we look forward to this exciting path ahead, dedicated to fostering creativity, preserving heritage, and shaping the future of art in Thailand.
This milestone signifies a clear and distinct stance of being more than just an art gallery, but also a space that stirs the soul and inspires through diverse forms of art.