While Thailand has never lacked creative talent, it has been short on space in which to showcase its artistry. The Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (66-2/2214-6630; bacc.or.th) aims to remedy this. A decade in the making, the municipally funded complex celebrated its official debut in March 2009, opening the doors to a collection of exhibition halls, galleries, and performance areas. Set in the heart of Siam Square, the 7,600-square-meter facility has a diverse program—everything from painting to theater to literary workshops, with an emphasis on modern Thai culture. Yet the project almost faltered in 2001 when Bangkok’s then governor announced plans to build a mall on the site instead. A public outcry followed, and that support is currently being celebrated in Art of Campaign (through May), an exhibition of more than 2,000 protest banners and posters created to help keep the center on track. –LEISA TYLER

Originally appeared in the May 2009 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Gypsy Tales: Capital Asset”)