Royal Thai Pavilion Earns 2025 Historic Preservation Award
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The Royal Thai Pavilion is the 2025 Historic Preservation Award Recipient for its meticulous revival at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes specific projects annually.
The City of Madison Engineering Division began the restoration project in 2021 with gathering information about the unique structure and how to approach construction. It was completed in 2024.
The Royal Thai Pavilion is located in Olbrich Botanical Gardens at 3330 Atwood Avenue in Madison, Wisc.
Journey to Wisconsin
The Royal Thai Pavilion was fabricated in Thailand using traditional construction techniques and materials. Opened to the public in 2002, it is the first Thai pavilion in the continental United States, and one of only a handful outside of Thailand. It was created in Thailand, then carefully taken apart, and put into containers to ship to Madison. It was assembled at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and first commemorated by a ceremony known as “Yok Sao Eak,” which means “Stand up the first pillar” on Sept 13, 2001. The pavilion was a gift to the University of Wisconsin – Madison from the Thai Government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. The Royal Thai Pavilion demonstrates the university’s commitment to supporting diverse cultures and serves as a focal point for a Thai Garden at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, growing community awareness of global cultures and plant life. The pavilion is constructed of teak and mahogany. The structure is 40 feet long, 22 feet wide and 30 feet high.
Image credit:
Focal Flame
Construction Process
The pavilion required extensive repairs due to weather-related deterioration, particularly to its roofing and decorative elements. The project included replacement of custom Thai clay tiles, structural repairs and the restoration of intricate decorative finishes and mosaics. The advanced attention to detail and special care was taken to respect traditional Thai construction methods while adapting the materials to Wisconsin's climate. The restoration also re-engaged the community, inviting over 1,400 people to share messages of hope and peace, continuing the pavilion’s mission of promoting cultural exchange and global unity.
The updates to the Royal Thai Pavilion cost $1.6 M.
The project construction was led by the following contractors: InSite Consulting Architects, Stephen Mar-Pohl, Kalam, Inc.., Javier De La Calle.
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