Art, music, theatre, film, design and cultural/educational events take place in its exhibition and performance spaces.

The centre includes cafes, commercial art galleries, bookshops, craft shops, and an art library.

It is intended as a venue for cultural exchange, giving Bangkok an operational base on the international art scene.

In 1995, Bangkok Governor Dr. Bhichit Rattakul began a project called “the art centre”. After agreement that The Bangkok Contemporary Art Centre should be near Pathumwan junction, the project was stopped in 2001 when Samak Sundaravej became the new governor.

He wanted a commercial retail space and private investors. Cultural organizations, artists, students, and media joined together to oppose the suspension. In 2004, Apirak Kosayodhin became Bangkok Governor.

The project was presented again and the governor agreed to the original project that the art centre should be designed following the original plan.

On 19 August 2005 a “Declaration of Cooperation in the Fields of Art and Culture by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Allied Organizations in the Fields of Art and Culture” was signed at Benjasiri Park. On 29 July 2008 the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre opened after many delays.