Madison Reporter

The Royal Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens has been honored with the 2025 Historic Preservation Award. This recognition comes after a meticulous restoration project led by the City of Madison Engineering Division, which began in 2021 and concluded in 2024.

Annually, the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation acknowledges projects that demonstrate exceptional preservation efforts. The Royal Thai Pavilion's restoration involved gathering detailed information about its unique structure and planning a careful construction approach.

Located at 3330 Atwood Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin, the pavilion was originally fabricated in Thailand using traditional techniques and materials. It opened to the public in 2002 as the first Thai pavilion in the continental United States and one of only a few outside Thailand. After being constructed in Thailand, it was disassembled, shipped to Madison, and reassembled at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. A ceremony known as “Yok Sao Eak,” meaning “Stand up the first pillar,” marked its initial assembly on September 13, 2001.

The pavilion was a gift from the Thai Government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association to the University of Wisconsin – Madison. It represents the university’s dedication to supporting diverse cultures and serves as a focal point for a Thai Garden at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, enhancing community awareness of global cultures and plant life. Constructed from teak and mahogany, it measures 40 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 30 feet high.

The restoration addressed significant weather-related deterioration, particularly affecting its roofing and decorative elements. The project included replacing custom Thai clay tiles, making structural repairs, and restoring intricate decorative finishes and mosaics. The effort respected traditional Thai construction methods while adapting materials to withstand Wisconsin's climate.

Community engagement was an integral part of this project; over 1,400 people participated by sharing messages of hope and peace. This initiative aligns with the pavilion’s mission to promote cultural exchange and global unity.

The restoration project cost $1.6 million and was executed by contractors including InSite Consulting Architects, Stephen Mar-Pohl, Kalam Inc., and Javier De La Calle.