KAWS touches down in Bangkok

From May 13 to 25, Bangkok’s Sanam Luang will be transformed into an open-air gallery unlike any the city has seen.

Towering 18 metres above the ground, a colossal sculpture by world-renowned artist Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, will make its Thai debut in the heart of the capital.

Titled KAWS: HOLIDAY THAILAND, the public light art installation marks the latest stop in the artist’s global touring series, following previous showings in Indonesia and Shanghai.

Set against the regal backdrop of the Grand Palace, the piece features KAWS’s signature figure, COMPANION, seated atop a globe while gently cradling the moon.

A smaller version of the character sits quietly in its lap—a cosmic embrace that turns Bangkok’s ceremonial grounds into a surreal, thought-provoking stage.

More than just a visual spectacle, the installation is poised to ignite conversations about creativity, culture, and the universality of art.

This monumental art installation is a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), AllRightsReserved, Central Embassy, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Part of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign, the city and business partners aim to use cultural events to draw global attention to Thailand as a destination that blends rich heritage with contemporary creativity.

“Hosting KAWS: HOLIDAY THAILAND is not only about bringing world-class art to Bangkok,” said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

“It’s also about reimagining our landmarks as vibrant, interactive spaces that travellers and locals can engage with in new ways.”

Best known as the venue for royal ceremonies and national gatherings, Sanam Luang square is now being reimagined as center stage for an international art installation.

The juxtaposition of contemporary sculpture with centuries-old traditions adds a fresh dimension to Bangkok’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to see familiar sites in fresh and unexpected ways.

As dusk sets over the City of Angels, the glowing moon held between the arms of the larger-than-life COMPANION casts a soft light across Sanam Luang.

The spectacle of the illuminated installation framed by the spires of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is nothing short of cinematic.

Visitors can expect an experience that feels both intimate and grand—where modern pop-art meets sacred architecture.

Open daily from 7am to 10pm with no admission fee, the KAWS exhibition is expected to draw art enthusiasts, curious passersby, and social media-savvy content creators and travellers looking to capture a moment with one of the most recognisable figures in pop art.

But more than just a photo opportunity, the installation is part of a broader narrative—one that positions Bangkok as a hub for global creativity.

While the COMPANION figure may appear playful at first glance, KAWS’s work often grapples with themes of isolation, tenderness, and the human condition.

In this iteration, set within a square that has long served as a focal point for Thai identity, the piece resonates with quiet power.

It encourages contemplation not only of our place in the universe but also of the ways in which art can bridge cultures and generations.

Travellers exploring the exhibit are also encouraged to venture beyond Sanam Luang into nearby cultural corridors.

The Rattanakosin Island area, with its gilded temples, historic buildings, and leafy promenades, offers a natural extension of the artistic journey.

On the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, Thonburi’s art cafes and riverside museums round out an itinerary that blends old and new, East and West.

As Bangkok continues to position itself as a world-class destination for art and design, events like KAWS: HOLIDAY THAILAND signal a growing commitment to making contemporary culture accessible and inclusive.

And for those passing through the capital this May, it’s a rare chance to see a modern icon take its place.

Whether you're an art aficionado, a culture-seeking traveller, or simply someone who appreciates a well-timed surprise in a public square, Sanam Luang is the place to be from May 13 to 25.