If you’re lacking inspiration, a little trip to the Artist’s House should provide you with new perspectives, and hopefully gets your creativity flowing. Be entertained by live performances, talk with different artists, or do a little artwork yourself.

The Artist’s House is a gathering of 15 people who were once part of Joe Louis’ Puppet Theaterlocated in Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Due to the closure of the night bazaar, the theater had to close down as well. After some time, the puppet troupe reunited to reanimate the puppets out of admiration and passion for this art form. Every day at 2PM, except Wednesdays, the troupe puts on a live performance for all to watch free of charge. They also accept donations.

The puppet show is a segment from the Thai-adaptation of Ramayana; Ramakein. Different from the Joe Louis performance is the costume that the puppeteers wear. Their costume consists of a black mask, shirt, pants, and socks. One of the founders of Artist’s House thought it would be appropriate to incorporate some elements of contemporary art into the piece. The performance is narrated at the same time. It takes three people to maneuver a puppet. You will be amazed by their skill and performance; the puppets are almost lifelike.

The relaxing atmosphere makes this getaway an enjoyable place to sip coffee, have a meal, write postcards, surf the web, or admire art. The nearby vendors of this colorful corner of Bangkok are very friendly. If you like drawing or painting, you can try painting Hanuman’s head mask. Hanuman is one of the central characters in Ramakien .

If you truly enjoyed their performance, you can ask the troupe to play at various events such as weddings, religious ceremonies, grand openings, and more. Thanks to Artist’s House, they have reanimated an old art form, as well as the community around Klong Bang Luang. There are also plenty of nifty things which you can buy back home. Make sure to walk and look at everything.

Address : 315 Wat Thong Sala Ngam, Soi 28, Phetkasem Rd., Khuha Sawan Sub-district, Phasi Charoen District, Bangkok, 10160

GPS : 13.731317, 100.463400

Contact no. : 02-868-5279, 089-125-3949, 081-258-9260

E-mail : thaipuppeteer@gmail.com

Website : http://www.klongbangluang.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002157850625&sk=wall

Opening Hours : Mon/Tues 10.00 – 18.00, Wed-Fri 09.00 – 18.00, Sat/Sun 09.00 – 19.00 Entrance

Fee : No Entrance Fee. 

Best Time : Every day at 2PM, except Wednesdays, the troupe puts on a live performance for all to watch free of charge 

Highlight : Thai Puppet show

Activities : Sight-seeing/ Entertainment/ Relaxing/ Coffee

Drive into Soi 28, Phetkasem road. Continue into the soi and follow the road signs to Wat Khuha Sawan. Park inside the temple. Walk towards the canal and turn right along the canal. Continue until the end, the ‘Artist’s House’ is at the end.

Buses: 57, 68, 80, 81, 91, 108, 146, 157, 171, 175, 509, 542
The buses will pass Charan Sanitwong Soi 3. At the entrance of soi 3, take a motorcycle or get on the shuttle bus and get off in front of 7-11. Cross the bridge and turn left, you will find the ‘Artist’s House’ ahead.