Page 28 - MSU Campus Tour Guide eBook

Mahasarakham University Campus Tour Guide 27

11. MSU Museum and Mini Zoo

The Mahasarakham University Museum through its research, collections,
exhibitions, conservation efforts and educational programs advances
understanding and exploration of local Isaan history, culture, and architecture.
A visit to the museum is an opportunity to learn about the traditional local Isaan
lifestyle and the history of MSU. The museum’s key tasks are to collect, preserve,
and interpret artifacts and histories, both historic and contemporary, that reflect
the life of the local community and the region. The museum also works to
document and preserve the community’s physical and cultural heritage, which
has local, regional, and national significance. Visitors learn about local culture
and history through photographs and audio stories (in Thai). The MSU Museum
has become a true center of local arts and culture also serving as a recreation
and an activity hub for university staff and students as well as people of the
province of Maha Sarakham and the general public.

The museum sits alongside a pond and among trees creating a delightful and
peaceful atmosphere for relaxing while learning about local culture, the
university and nature. It can be found on the left-hand side of the road when
entering the university from Taakonyaang.

Complementing the museum next
door is a mini zoo containing four
species of deer, rabbits, guinea pigs,
green peafowl, red jungle fowl and
several species of parrot. The zoo was
set up with assistance from Nakhon
Ratchasima Zoo. It is a place where
families can bring their children to
enjoy the animals as living creatures
and also to provide opportunities for
farmers to investigate possibilities of
farming different species.