The Chiang Mai National Museum is located beside Wat Chet Yot and near to Chiang Mai University on highway 11, the main ring road. The spacious museum grounds also house the Northern Region Archaeological Research Center, where two ancient kilns have recently been excavated and rebuilt.
The museum itself has recently been renovated to provide an up-to-date and modern showcase of many Lanna works of art, ancient Buddha images as well as a variety of war weapons.
The historical development of the north of Thailand (from Pre-Neolithic times to the present) is portrayed in an area downstairs in the museum. There are various paintings and models illustrating famous legends and significant historical events. Scenes depicting the Lanna way of life in years gone by are also displayed.
There are a number of different display cases featuring ceramic works (circ. 14th to 16th century) that have been excavated from kilns from the Lanna Kingdom as well as from Kalong, Sangkampaeng and Lampang. There are also cases filled with bronze and gold jewellery and other artefacts. Upstairs in the museum are collections of old farming and handicraft tools, woodcarvings, old photographs, weapons and superb textiles. Many fine examples of Buddha statues are displayed throughout the museum.
The museum is open daily, except Mondays, Tuesdays and official holidays, from 9.00 am until noon and 1.00 pm until 4.00 pm.