The Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Centre is located on Prapokklao Road, close to Wat Phra Singh Temple. This area was once the old city center since the King Mengrai era, where the “Inthakhin” ancient city pillar was situated, before it was moved to Wat Chedi Luang. The site of museum was an inheritance of Phra Chao Kawilorot Suriyawong, the 6th ruler of Chiang Mai, to Princess Chao Dara Ratsami. After the municipality administrative reform, she then granted the property to the government. The building was built in 1924, which was used as the central administrative office of the Monthol Phayap - Siam’s administrative unit, and later served as the Provincial Hall of Chiang Mai. 

          After the government hall had moved to the new building, the municipality requested to renovate the building, in order to turn it into the museum. The renovation received an award in 1999 for preservation of a public building from the Royal Society of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.

          Inside, the museum exhibits history of Chiang Mai, way of living and culture of the local since the prehistoric period.  There are 15 halls categorized into chronological sequences; Prehistoric period, city establishing history, the rise and the dawn of city until Chiang Mai at present, intellectual way of wisdom life, and pride cultural identity of Chiang Mai people, presenting with high technology media, such as slide, video, computer program, Dioramas model, graphics board, and audiovisual displays.

          The rear half of the building is occupied by rotational exhibitions and the outdoor courtyard for various cultural activities which aim to preserve Chiang Mai Culture Identity.