Kampot Provincial Museum

Opened on January 29, 2015, in the former residence of the French governor of Kampot, this museum houses a wealth of artifacts, stories, and photographs that testify to the history of the city and its province. Fully renovated before its inauguration with the support of the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF), the building is very welcoming and is open to visitors every day of the week. A few years prior to its opening, local authorities recognized the need for a museum to offer residents and visitors a broader understanding of Kampot’s heritage—particularly its architectural heritage—which they considered still too little known. In addition to filling this gap, the museum’s founders aimed to establish a cultural and convivial space in a city already renowned for its undeniable charm.

An Evolving Collection

Currently housed on the ground floor of the building, the museum presents three types of exhibits to help visitors learn more about the history of Kampot—and beyond. Six large informative panels, complete with maps, images, and narratives, trace the city’s historical evolution. In addition, 38 photographs provide vivid visual support for the displays. Lastly, the Museum of Fine Arts has contributed about a dozen archaeological artifacts from the pre-Angkorian period, including pieces from the Funan and Chenla empires, discovered in Kampot and the surrounding region. The collection is not intended to remain static: it was assembled just four years ago, and plans for future enhancements—or even expansions—of the museum are already being considered.