Bangkok Art Biennale is set to turn temples, museums and public spaces across the Thai capital into a citywide contemporary art route, with the event returning in October 2026.
The fifth edition of the event will run from 29 October 2026 through 28 February 2027, under the theme “Angels & Mara”. It will bring Thai and international artists into dialogue with Bangkok’s heritage, spirituality, urban life and creative future.
The exhibition will be spread across ten venues, including Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Prayoon, Museum Siam, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, One Bangkok, centralwOrld, Siam Paragon, the National Museum Bangkok and the Art Centre at Silpakorn University. These locations connect historic areas, riverside communities, cultural institutions and major commercial districts across the city.
The theme “Angels & Mara” explores an intricate contrast between goodness and the darker side of human nature. “Angels” in this case refers to divine messengers and spiritual protectors, while “Mara” is associated with death, temptation and obstacles to enlightenment in Buddhist tradition. The title also touches upon Bangkok’s traditional name, “Krung Thep”, which is commonly translated as the “City of Angels”.
The programme will feature a wide variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, performance art, film and multimedia. The organisers say the participating artists will use the theme to examine issues of conflict, uncertainty, political division, spirituality and the changing nature of modern life.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting “Angels & Mara” as part of its culture-led tourism strategy. TAT says that placing contemporary art in temples, heritage sites and public venues will encourage visitors to experience Bangkok through more than its usual attractions, while also supporting the city’s creative and festival economy.
With the 2026 edition running for four months, the event is expected to give visitors an additional reason — and a good opportunity — to explore Bangkok during the winter travel season. It will also offer a new way to combine religious landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, shopping districts and the contemporary cultural scene in a single, harmonious itinerary.
