Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The Emerald Buddha itself is located in the ordination hall of Wat Phra Kaew, just a short walk away within the same palace walls. This museum houses the objects surrounding it. It is the Grand Palace's depot, containing items removed from the temple and palace during restoration work, as well as offerings made to the image. The museum is housed in a two-story building opposite the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, which was originally built as the Royal Mint and opened as a museum in 1982 to commemorate Bangkok's bicentennial.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had this structure erected during the Jubilee restoration work to secure the roof finials, stained glass, and other elements that could not be reattached. On the ground floor are these architectural elements and stone figures from the Ramakien, created during the reign of Rama III. Upstairs are two models of the Grand Palace, one from the reign of Rama I and one from the reign of Rama V, the Manangasila stone throne, palanquins, Buddha statues presented to the Emerald Buddha, and the seasonal robes not worn by the statue. The king changes his golden robes three times a year.

It is currently closed. The Royal Household Office closed the museum on August 5, 2024, for renovations and will announce the reopening date later. This information is also still available on the Grand Palace website. Until then, only the robe of the Emerald Buddha is on display.

Following its reopening, the palace is located within the ticketed grounds. Entry is included with the Grand Palace ticket (500 Baht); the palace itself does not charge a separate fee. The grounds are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with tickets available until 3:30 p.m. Children under 120 cm tall are admitted free of charge. A palace dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered.