The National Museum of Cambodia is a fantastic experience for those who love exploring culture and history, as it houses the world’s most beautiful collection of Khmer sculptures. Here, you’ll be lost in a collection of thousands of artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, and ethnographic objects from prehistoric, pre-Angkor, Angkor, and post-Angkor periods, representing millennia and more – all showcasing the exquisite designs of the Khmer people. The museum was established to promote awareness and understanding of Cambodia’s cultural, historical, and religious heritage and to inspire visitors.
The History of the National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum of Cambodia is located at (Street 13 Sangkat Chey Chumneas, Khan Daun, Phnom Penh), next to the Cambodian Royal Palace to the north. This building was constructed by George Groslier (a historian and author who contributed to increasing interest in Cambodian traditional arts and crafts, and who also designed the museum).
The first foundation stones for the museum were laid on August 15, 1917. Approximately two and a half years later, the completed museum was inaugurated during the Khmer New Year in 1920.
Information for Visiting the National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum of Cambodia is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so please choose a suitable time to visit. The last tickets are sold at 4:30 PM.
The ticket price for foreign visitors is $10 (over 18 years old), $5 (for those aged 10-17). Please note that you should use new, undamaged, clean USD bills. The visiting time is estimated to be about one hour, so you can combine it with a visit to the nearby Royal Palace.
Architecture with Cambodian influences
The National Museum of Cambodia is built in the Cambodian architectural style, with tiled roofs carved with characteristic Khmer motifs and famous mascots in Cambodian culture and beliefs, such as the nine-headed Naga serpent. The unmistakable feature is the red terracotta color; the entire building is covered in a striking red hue, interspersed with the black of the wooden interior. This architectural style exudes grandeur and solemnity, providing visitors with a delightful experience.
The museum has eight exhibition halls in total, including: Bronze Gallery, Prehistory Gallery, Pre-Angkorian Gallery, Angkorian Gallery, Post-Angkorian Gallery, Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Conservation and Restoration Workshops, and Ceramics Gallery.
Explore the exhibits within the museum.
- Temporary Exhibition Gallery: Unlike the other sections, this area displays modern works of cultural and historical significance, such as traditional costumes and works crafted by artisans.
- Bronze Gallery: This is the museum’s first section, showcasing bronze artifacts found from the 7th to the 20th centuries. Due to spiritual and religious needs, the tradition of bronze casting emerged to create statues of gods and Buddhas.
- Prehistory Gallery: You will learn more about Cambodia’s prehistory through ancient stones, weapons, and bronze tools.
- Conservation and Restoration Workshops: The highlight of this area is the reclining bust of the god Vishnu. Although the bust has been damaged during wartime, it still showcases the sculpting skill and creativity of the Cambodian people thousands of years ago.
- Pre-Angkorian Gallery: You will gain a deeper understanding of the Pre-Angkorian period through the development of sculpture (from the 5th to the 8th centuries), exemplified by the eight-armed Vishnu statue.
- Angkorian Gallery: This period is notable for its colossal half-human, half-animal statues, along with statues of Shiva.
- Post-Angkorian Gallery: During this period, sculptural techniques reached a new level: wooden statues were more intricately carved, decorations were inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and ivory was frequently used in artworks.
- Ceramics Gallery: Showcasing everyday items made of ancient Khmer pottery.
A refreshing green surrounds the National Museum of Cambodia.
One thing tourist will like about the National Museum of Cambodia is its spacious grounds with many trees and a lake in the center behind the museum, creating a feeling of closeness to nature and alleviating the heat of Phnom Penh.
In front, the museum is shaded by palm trees, fig trees, and even fan-shaped banana trees. Around it are many large trees whose names I don’t even know.
Further inside, you’ll find a large courtyard with four ponds teeming with fish, their waters gently flowing. In the center of the four ponds stands a serene seated Buddha statue. Surrounding it is a system of miniature landscapes and lush greenery, creating a very relaxing atmosphere.
The National Museum of Cambodia is truly a wonderful place that helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the country’s glorious thousand-year history — from its earliest prehistoric periods to the magnificent Angkor civilization. Seeing the artifacts from different eras in person provides a clearer picture of the foundations that shaped the Kingdom of Cambodia as it is today, particularly the strong fusion of religions.Buddhism and Hinduism have been deeply rooted in the spiritual life of the Khmer people from ancient times to the present, and this influence has given rise to countless sacred and exceptionally beautiful works of art. If you have time to visit Phnom Penh, don’t miss this destination. It is absolutely worth spending time exploring.
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