Phitsanulok Buddha Museum Reopens with Restored Artifact Exhibition

The Phra Phuttha Chinaraj National Museum was originally established under the care of Phra Si Ratana Mahatat Woramahaviharn Temple in Phitsanulok's city district, using spaces within two viharas to display artifacts and artworks of various types. The Fine Arts Department officially established it as a national museum in 1961 and constructed the museum building in 2014. Subsequently, Sukhothai Regional Fine Arts Office launched a permanent exhibition project at the museum, beginning renovation and improvements from 2018 until completion this year.

The permanent exhibition brings together artifacts and artworks with historical connections to Phra Phuttha Chinaraj and Phra Si Ratana Mahatat Woramahaviharn Temple in Phitsanulok, spanning from ancient times to the present. These objects were donated to Phra Phuttha Chinaraj as religious offerings by Thai monarchs, members of the royal family, and the general public, demonstrating their devotion. Examples include ornamental regalia adorning the Buddha image, royal decorative sashes presented as auspicious royal heirlooms, silver and gold trees, and items given by royalty and the royal family.

The exhibition also features artifacts discovered through archaeological excavations in Phitsanulok province and objects related to Phra Phuttha Chinaraj from other national museums, organized into nine sections:

1. Royal and Public Devotion Section: Displays royal faith and public reverence through donated objects such as silver trees, gold trees, cut-glass items, and candlestick holders.

2. History and Archaeology Section: Presents Phitsanulok's historical development from antiquity to present day, including the city's importance and relationships with Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.

3. Temple and Buddha Image Section: Chronicles the history, restoration, and royal visits to Phra Si Ratana Mahatat Woramahaviharn Temple, as well as legends and Buddhist art of Phra Phuttha Chinaraj.

4. Royal Regalia Section: Displays ornamental regalia adorning the Buddha image and royal decorative sashes presented as auspicious royal heirlooms to demonstrate the Thai monarchy's reverence for Phra Phuttha Chinaraj.

5. Ancient Drums Section: Exhibits traditional drums of types preserved at Phra Si Ratana Mahatat Woramahaviharn Temple.

6. Carved Elephant Tusks Section: Showcases elephant tusks and carved elephant tusk artworks donated as religious offerings to Phra Phuttha Chinaraj.

7. Buddha Images Section: Displays silver-plated and gold-plated Buddha images, glass Buddha images, and other images donated as offerings to Phra Phuttha Chinaraj.

8. Wooden Artifacts Section: Features wooden items preserved at Phra Si Ratana Mahatat Woramahaviharn Temple, including ceremonial chariots, scripture cabinets, ceiling ornaments, and the temple's spire.

9. Additional Section (content cut off in original).