The Unique Areas and
Decoration of the
Erawan Museum Structure

The Erawan Museum can be sectioned into 3 parts, which were the ideas in the sacred book of Buddhism, about the Underworld, Human Earth, and Heaven. The 3 different areas of the museum include these features. The lowest level is the underground level, also known as the Suvannabhumi, the second level is the Human Earth, and the third level is the Heaven, also known as the Universe.

1

Suvarnabhumi Level

The Suvarnabhumi Level is the underground level of the Elephant, it showcases the ancient artifacts and porcelain which are Mr.Lek's prized collection. In this section 'the past' was a message that sought to be conveyed. Many types of artifacts were showcased here, amongst them includes the Thai style ceramic ware of "Benjarong". This level features the god figure of the underworld, naga, a snake-like god, who is the givers of waters and the abundance of the Buddhist Belief.

 

2

Human Earth

The Human Earth Section is the circular base that supports the weight of the elephant, the interior of the building incorporates many art forms of the world, including the western and the eastern arts in a truly unique form. The ceiling of the entrance is similar to the ceiling of the earth. The stained glass in the pattern of the Earth can be seen here. It is a masterpiece by Mr.Jacob Schwakopt, a famed German Artist. This art piece is especially unique and it only utilizes 4 colors to feature the essence of the Earth. The color yellow for the earth, the color white for the wind, the color red for fire, and the color blue for water. Along with the outer layer is the painting of zodiac, with the 12 most important stars. It also showcases paintings of the people on the earth. The whole art piece seeks to convey the effect stars have on the human's lives.

The interior of the building was decorated beautifully, using the craftiness of the sculptors to create beautiful patterns including the mythic animals. The art is enhanced is the traditional Thai Benjarong, over a hundred thousand pieces specially made in Amphawa, Samut Songkram and from China. This was all made into small decorations beautifully.

 

 

This level has stairs to take you up to the heaven level, and the stairs were separated into two sides in front of Phra-Khet Door, which was presented in a Chinese style and sculpted cement work. The top-level is the Phra-Khet style which is considered the god to protect the earth and the ocean. Inside the Chinese style door, which shows the location where Bodisadwa god (Guan-In) was placed. It is sculpted using hard stone, and the ceiling was decorated with beautiful lamps and colorful recycled materials. These environmental friendly material including recycled glass bottles were truely works far ahead of their time. The other outstanding factor of this building is the four pillars that are used to carry the weight of the elephant's feet.

The four pillars were decorated in the octagonal style and covered by tin. While the tin that was used was covered with a beautiful and intricate pattern, representing the four pillars in the religion; including mercy, kindness, sympathy, contentment. These are the four pillars of most religions around the world. Each pillar then told a story of one religion.

1. The Buddhism Pillar

2. The Hinduism Pillar

3. The Mahayana Pillar

4. The Christian Pillar

The story of "Tossachart Cha-Dok" was told, which is the story of the 10th Bodisatva before the reincarnation of Buddha. These pillars show the righteous ways that we should follow.

The story of Vishnu was told on this pillar, the story taken from the holy book of Kritsana, an important book for Hinduism. The legend has it that this is when Vishu joined a war between the righteous and devils.

This pillar told a story that the Chinese believe in, the story of Bodhisattva, Guan-In, who has done good without hoping for anything in return. This symbol is a reminder for people to recognize that being good to others and peacekeeping, is for the greater good.

This pillar shows the story of the birth of humans in the Western religion. A story of Jesus's works that signifies the assistance offered to others in need.

3

The Cosmos Level

The Cosmos Level is the area inside the body of the Elephant. The passage to this level is the white and pink stairs that came together to meet at the Phra Khet Door. The beginning of the Universe or heaven. There are two passageways, being an elevator from the left foot of the elephant, or the stairs from the right foot of the elephant. The area of the stairs is painted with stories of gods and goddesses floating in heaven. Some are dancing and singing leading visitors to heaven. The ceiling of the cosmos level was done by powder colors by a German Artist, the picture consists of the Sun and the eight stars (excluding our earth).

The Milky Way and asteroids will be shown together, letting us know that we are just a small piece of dust in the vast universe.

The mood inside the Universe Level is quiet, the lighting was planned to give visitors room for focus. The footprint of Buddha was shown in the middle of the room, with the Buddha statue in the Sukhothai style. The walls are lined with different Buddha statues that were shown following the correct order.

 

The Surrounding Area of
The Erawan Museum

The surrounding area of the Erawan Museum was a garden with trees from traditional Thai Literature. All the rare trees from all over Thailand are here as a hope to make it a place to study the diversity of Thai forestry. On the other hand, this is the Himmaya Forest as in the ancient myth. In the forest here many mythic animals are present, this magical garden will show you the true Thai Myth and its mythic creatures in beautiful surroundings.

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