Isn’t Black Temple a temple?! The “Black House Museum,” known as the “Hell of Chiang Rai”

Photos and text provided by Eastern TV Travel

Chiang Rai is located in the northernmost part of Thailand, bordering Myanmar and Laos. Its unique geographical position has fostered a rich and diverse cultural and historical background. Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, with his unique artistic talent and vision, meticulously arranged his own works and years of collections within the houses he designed and built. Since the interiors were entirely decorated in black tones, and the collections predominantly featured black-themed motifs, while the exterior resembled a temple, it came to be known as the “Black House Museum,” or simply the “Black Temple.” Locals regard this place as a symbol of hell.

▲ Black House Museum, also known as the “Black Temple”

● Black Temple / Black House Museum
Address: 414 Moo 13 Nanglae, Muang, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand.
Website: http://www.thawan-duchanee.com/baandum_eng/demo.html

The museum, built entirely from teak wood and covered inside and out with black decor, was designed and constructed by local artist Thawan Duchanee. It is part of the artist’s residence, where he displays his collections and artworks and opens them to the public for free. The exterior of the building is adorned with sharp, horn-like decorations, and the eaves are supported by intricately carved beams. Two guardian statues stand at the entrance, creating an imposing and memorable façade.

▲ The Black House Museum, built from teak wood, is coated and furnished entirely in black.

▲ The eave supports of the Black House Museum feature intricate carvings.

Upon stepping inside, visitors are struck by the dark atmosphere exuded by the collections. A closer look reveals numerous animal skins, bones, specimens, hunting tools... etc., all set against black-toned walls and furnishings, creating a somewhat oppressive ambiance. The most eye-catching items inside are a large chair made from a combination of bull and deer horns, and an extremely long table displaying crocodile and python skins—truly chilling.

▲ The extremely long table inside the Black House Museum

▲ Crocodile skin displayed inside the Black House Museum

On the walls inside hang an abstract painting, which is the artist’s own work. The painting features imagery of an eagle and a bull, and the bold, decisive brushstrokes reveal the artist’s resolute style. It is said that the artist completed this piece in just 20 seconds, showcasing his extraordinary painting talent.

▲ Statue of the host and the artist

▲ The artist completed the artwork in just 20 seconds

Although the Black Temple is not a temple and does not enshrine any deities for worship, visitors can still make a small donation for maintenance to help preserve the black art for posterity.

▲ A corner inside the Black House Museum

▲ The Black House Museum filled with black-themed imagery

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