Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok enters a landmark year as it opens the first chapter of its 150th anniversary with Unfolding Legacies, a multi-year programme honouring the people, place and pioneering spirit that have shaped the hotel since its beginnings on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Spanning January 2026 to March 2027, Unfolding Legacies brings together a curated programme of experiences inspired by the hotel’s enduring influence and guided by its defining pillars. At its heart, the programme reflects on the passage of time, honouring those who laid the foundations, recognising those who shape the present and inspiring those who will define the future.
The commemorative year was inaugurated with an Opening Gala Dinner on Saturday, 14 February 2026, held in the Royal Ballroom under the gracious patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Marking the opening chapter of Unfolding Legacies, the evening reflected respect for the past, appreciation of the present and anticipation for the future of one of Thailand’s most important cultural institutions.
The 150th anniversary is both a moment of reflection and a renewed sense of responsibility, “For those of us who lead and work in this hotel each day, 150 years is not a distant milestone. It is reflected in the way we welcome a returning guest, the way we maintain our standards and the way we pass knowledge from one generation of colleagues to the next. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has endured because it has never stood still; it has evolved with care while remaining true to its character.” Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
Presented in collaboration with Club des Chefs des Chefs, the gala brought together an international circle of chefs who serve heads of state and royalty worldwide. A six-course culinary journey reinterpreted state banquet dishes from five nations, concluding with a tribute to Thai culinary heritage by Phatchara ‘Pom’ Pirapak, Thai Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. The evening was accompanied by performance art and orchestral music.
In keeping with Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to community and culture, net proceeds from the Gala Dinner will be donated to the Ratchasuda Foundation, which supports the education and empowerment of persons with disabilities. In addition, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has pledged a contribution of THB 1,000,000 to the Foundation. Guests were also invited to take part in a charity auction featuring bespoke 150th anniversary pieces, works by Thai artists and experiences from Mandarin Oriental hotels worldwide.
“Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is where our story began 150 years ago, and it remains the spiritual home of Mandarin Oriental. As we open the first chapter of Unfolding Legacies, we honour not only a remarkable heritage on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, but also the generations of colleagues whose legendary service has shaped our identity. This anniversary is a celebration of time and storytelling, of traditions preserved, craftsmanship refined and exceptional experiences continually reimagined. As we look to the future, we are proud that Bangkok continues to inspire our next chapter.”
Laurent Kleitman
Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental
UNVEILING OUR ORIGINS, AN IMMERSIVE JOURNEY
At the heart of the first chapter is Unveiling Our Origins, a newly created immersive exhibition inviting guests to explore the formative moments of the hotel’s history. Through archival material, interactive storytelling and contemporary interpretation, the exhibition traces the evolution of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok from its riverside beginnings to its role as a cultural crossroads for travellers, writers and artists across generations.
This journey is complemented by the release of a new edition of The Oriental Book, an enduring chronicle bringing together rare photographs, personal accounts and researched narratives. More than a record of milestones, the book reflects the spirit of gracious hospitality passed from one generation of colleagues to the next.
CRAFTED TOGETHER, CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONS OF HERITAGE
As part of Unveiling Our Origins, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok introduces a series of limited-edition collaborations with partners whose craftsmanship reflects shared values of heritage, memory and modern culture.
Jeweller Margot McKinney was invited to create a commemorative collection to mark the hotel’s 150th anniversary. Drawing on a long personal connection to the property, McKinney translated memories of the iconic lobby and its lantern-like chandeliers into wearable works of art. Paired with the Mandarin Oriental fan motif, the lantern-inspired designs take shape as a collection of brooches and earrings created exclusively for this milestone year.
In collaboration with Parfums Dusita, the hotel also introduces Light of Bangkok, a bespoke fragrance composed by Thai perfumer Pissara Umavijani. Predominantly natural in composition, the scent reflects the warmth and gracious hospitality that define Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Notes of lemongrass, jasmine, ylang-ylang and sandalwood evoke both place and atmosphere.
Completing the first chapter is an exclusive collaboration with Sporty & Rich, marking the brand’s first partnership of its kind in Asia. The limited-edition capsule brings together modern wellness and heritage through premium apparel and accessories rendered in Mandarin Oriental’s signature celadon green, introduced as a new hue for Sporty & Rich. Designed for everyday wear, the collection reflects balance and longevity and will be available from early March 2026.
MORE CHAPTERS TO COME
Unveiling Our Origins marks the beginning of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s 150th anniversary journey. Further chapters will unfold throughout the year and beyond, each exploring a different facet of the hotel’s legacy, from voices of influence and culinary mastery to journeys of discovery and the shaping of new traditions.
As Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok enters its 150th year, the anniversary is not simply a reflection on history, but an invitation to continue the story with purpose and a strong sense of place.