Nestled in the heart of Bangkok, Central: The Original Store draws from a family heritage honouring the history of Central Group. The design, as reimagined by Vincent Van Duysen, pays homage to the building’s origin and history, thrusting it forward into a cultural centre that embraces the contexts of Bangkok’s neighbourhoods, and the changing world around them. 

Each level within Central: The Original Store has a unique function. The vast street-front glass panels recall Bangkok’s very first window display. The first floor sets the mood with the intimate vibe of an elegant entryway, encompassing terrazzo floors and high concrete ceilings punctuated by wooden beams. This is not a remake, but rather a tribute to the era’s unspoken language of aesthetic unity.

The sculpted staircase, bathed by daylight, leads guests to the Retail Library, where the book collection underlines the building’s story and purpose. The third and fourth floors are hybrids between exhibition and event spaces, where a large movable display case acts as a divider reiterating Central’s innovative character and versatility.

For 360°views of the city, visitors can peruse the top floor and enjoy a meal at Aksorn; the Tripsters-designed restaurant by David Thompson, an eminent and dedicated chef who continues to be at the forefront of innovative Thai cuisine. Hungry or not, customers can always take in the Bangkok city skyline from a vantage point that is the panoramic roof terrace, gazing down onto the bustling Charoen Krung Road.