ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Miwako Tezuka Leads Thailand's New Dib Bangkok Museum in Historic Khlong Toey District

institutional · 2026-04-19

Dib Bangkok, Thailand's ambitious new private museum, will open in late December within a repurposed 1980s steel factory in Bangkok's historic Khlong Toey port district. The 6,600-square-meter space has been transformed by architect Kulapat Yantrasast, featuring exposed concrete and light-filled galleries. Miwako Tezuka, 55, serves as the inaugural director, bringing her experience as a seasoned curator to shape the institution's vision. The museum complex was designed by Los Angeles-based Thai architecture studio WHY, presenting a modernist white structure in an area facing gentrification pressures. Tezuka's personal style reflects her international background, with a bleached pixie cut and clothing from designers Issey Miyake and Martin Margiela. The museum represents a significant cultural development for Thailand's art scene, positioning itself as a major player on the global stage from its location near Bangkok's legendary wet market and squatter communities.

Key facts

  • Dib Bangkok opens in late December
  • Miwako Tezuka is inaugural director at age 55
  • Museum occupies 6,600-square-meter former steel factory
  • Architect Kulapat Yantrasast led the transformation
  • Building designed by WHY architecture studio
  • Located in Bangkok's Khlong Toey port district
  • Area contains Thailand's legendary wet market
  • Museum represents Thailand's growing art presence

Entities

Artists

  • Miwako Tezuka
  • Kulapat Yantrasast
  • Issey Miyake
  • Martin Margiela

Institutions

  • Dib Bangkok
  • WHY architecture studio

Locations

  • Bangkok
  • Thailand
  • Khlong Toey
  • Los Angeles
  • Tokyo
  • New York

Sources