Prince Mahidol Hall The vision of a grand hall as the proper venue for the graduation ceremony has been a long cherished dream of Mahidol University since the first two presidents: Professor Chatchawan Osatanont and Professor Kasan Chatikavanich. However, budget constraints at the time postponed the project to ensure that priority was properly given to offering highest quality education and funding research.

Professor Emeritus Pornchai Matangkasombut led the rejuvenation of the idea during his presidency. In 2006, the Royal Thai Government allocated 990 millions Baht to match the equal finance from the university.

A new plan proposed by Professor Emeritus Pornchai and approved by the University Council integrated more functions into the original project. The new building would have multiple purposes. It could accommodate a full symphony orchestra, operas, national and international conferences. The construction began under the leadership of Clinical Professor Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn and completed during the presidency of Professor Rajata Rajatanawin.

Mahidol University consulted three well-respected figures in traditional and modern Thai architecture, namely Amnuay Suwankiri, Pichai Vasanasong and AVM Arwut Ngernchuklin, to facilitate a distinctive building design that reflects its history. The university opened a design competition for the project, which attracted entries from more than 10 architecture firms.

The winning design by Architects 49 Co. Ltd. features design concepts that incorporate natural forms and traditional Thai architectural features. From the aerial view, the building takes the shape of kan phai flower, the floral emblem of Mahidol University. The pattern on its roof resembles human skeletal framework symbolizing the advancement of medical knowledge— a core strength that inspired the birth of the university.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn laid the foundation stone of the building on June 26, 2009 and bestowed the name Mahidol Sitthakarn (“building symbolizing the success of Mahidol University”). The English name is Prince Mahidol Hall.

This concert hall-cum-convention center is built on a plot of 54 Rai on the university’s Salaya campus. As the construction had progressed, its unique design immediately began to captivate visitors at first sight. Apart from being an auditorium for the commencement ceremony, it serves as an orchestra hall, an opera house and conference venues. Consulting firms from Britain, France and Germany provided advices on state-of–the-art light and sound system and stage engineering— making Prince Mahidol Hall one of the most advanced concert halls in Asia.

Once the construction was successfully completed, Prince Mahidol Hall debuted by hosting the New Year’s Concert 2014 of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra in a Soft Opening Ceremony on January 11, 2014.