National Museum of Cambodia, National museum and art institution in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The National Museum of Cambodia is a state institution in Phnom Penh displaying prehistoric and contemporary objects. The halls present stone sculptures, bronze figures, ceramics and ethnographic items from different regions of the country.
Founded in 1920 during the French colonial period, the museum was meant to preserve and document Khmer art. During the regime years the institution lost many staff members and parts of its collection but was able to rebuild after 1979.
The collection preserves masterpieces of Khmer sculpture, including statues from Angkor that visitors can view up close. Local art enthusiasts regularly come here to reconnect with their own artistic traditions and share them with younger generations.
The building opens daily in the morning and closes in the afternoon, with several exhibition rooms arranged around the inner courtyard. Signage in several languages helps with orientation through the collections.
The central courtyard holds small ponds with lotus flowers that create a quiet atmosphere between the exhibition rooms. The red terracotta building follows the lines of traditional Khmer architecture and combines modern museum functions with local building style.
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