The National Museum of Cambodia

Located on Street 13 in Phnom Penh, right next to the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is the largest museum in the country. Organized around four spacious galleries opening onto a beautiful, lush courtyard, this vast building showcases the historical and artistic richness of Khmer civilization through its collections and also stands as a remarkable example of traditional Cambodian architecture.

Your visit will not only offer you the pleasure of admiring the splendor and evolution of Khmer art, but also provide a peaceful and refreshing break in the vibrant heart of the capital.

A bit of history

In 1914, Albert Sarraut, Governor-General of Indochina, with the approval of the Cambodian sovereign, entrusted French archaeologist and ethnologist George Groslier with the creation of a museum. Built between 1917 and 1920, the large ochre-colored building reflects traditional Khmer architectural style, with decorative elements inspired by Angkorian art, such as the grand entrance gates modeled after motifs from the Banteay Srei temple.

Originally named the Museum of Cambodia, it was partially opened to the public in 1918. It was later renamed the Albert Sarraut Museum, officially inaugurated by King Sisowath on April 13, 1920, during the Khmer New Year celebrations. George Groslier became its first curator.

Shortly before Cambodia's independence in 1953, France handed over the museum's management to Cambodian authorities while continuing to provide technical assistance. It was then renamed the National Museum of Cambodia and underwent renovation in 1968 under the supervision of renowned Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, known as the "father" of New Khmer Architecture.

In 1970, with the onset of civil war, collections from provincial museums were transferred to the museum for safekeeping. From April 1975, during the Khmer Rouge regime, the museum was completely abandoned and suffered extensive damage, including an infestation by thousands of bats inhabiting its broken roof.

In 1980, an inventory revealed the disappearance of entire collections.

Despite these hardships, today the National Museum of Cambodia houses one of the largest collections of Khmer art in the world, with over 14,000 pieces, around 2,000 of which are on public display.

Visiting the National Museum of Cambodia

Laid out on a single level and enclosing a lush green courtyard, the museum's exhibition galleries cover 2,800 square meters.

Sculptures and ethnographic objects from the prehistoric era (4th–9th centuries), pre-Angkorian period (9th–10th centuries), Angkorian period (10th–14th centuries), and post-Angkorian period (after the 14th century) are displayed across four material categories: stone, metal, wood, and ceramics.

Most of the bronze items represent Buddhist and Hindu deities, along with everyday objects. The different colors of the pieces reflect the chemical composition of the materials used (gold, silver, copper, etc.).

The ceramics illustrate architectural decoration (tiles, ornamental motifs), religious worship (vases and statues), and daily life (tableware), including beautiful pieces shaped like animals.

The stone, wood, and stucco pieces reveal the full splendor of Khmer sculpture over the centuries. Visitors will be captivated by the beauty, craftsmanship, and creativity of these talented ancient artists. Most of the pieces are freestanding works, such as lintels, pediments, and bas-reliefs originally adorning temple walls. They narrate religious mythology, historical events, and scenes from daily life with extraordinary detail and dynamic movement.

The Khmer sculpture collection at the National Museum of Cambodia spans over a millennium and remains the finest in the world. Although many works are damaged, they convey essential values linked to art, history, and religion, and embody both the identity and unique style of Khmer culture. They are also a testament to the original artistry developed by Khmer craftsmen.

Among the museum's treasures, be sure not to miss :

• A superb sandstone statue of Shiva holding his wife Uma on his lap, a perfect illustration of the Banteay Srei style, considered the pinnacle of Southeast Asian art at the end of the 10th century.
• A majestic 1.93-meter-tall statue of Vishnu with eight arms.
• A sculpture of Harira dating from the 6th century.
• And notably, a statue of King Jayavarman VII from Angkor Thom, embodying the Bayon period and the golden age of Khmer sculpture from the late 12th to early 13th centuries.

During your visit, take time to relax in the refreshing atmosphere of the courtyard, adorned with lush vegetation and lotus ponds.

Before leaving, don’t miss the museum shop, offering postcards, souvenirs, replica sculptures, and art books. If you’re feeling a little hungry, the museum café provides a charming setting, with tables shaded by foliage shaped like elephants.

How to get there

Located on Street 13 (between Streets 184 and 178) in the city center, the museum is easily accessible. Depending on where you are staying, you can reach it on foot, by tuk-tuk, motodop (motorcycle taxi), or by car/taxi.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM).

The visitor entrance is at the corner of Streets 13 and 178.

Guided tours are available in Khmer, English, French, and Japanese.

Photography is permitted only outside and in the courtyard area.