The National Museum of Cambodia

National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia is one of the most significant cultural institutions in the country, showcasing the rich history and heritage of Cambodia to locals and tourists alike. In this article, we'll explore the basic facts, history, cultural significance, touring options, and visiting tips for the National Museum of Cambodia.

Basic Facts About the National Museum of Cambodia

Collections in the National Museum of Cambodia

There are lots of things to do in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. The National Museum of Cambodia is located there and is open to the public daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The admission fee is $10 for foreign adults and $5 for foreign children, with discounts available for Cambodian citizens and residents. The museum offers a range of facilities and services, including an information desk, gift shop, and cafeteria.

Besides, here are some fun facts about the National Museum of Cambodia:

1. The National Museum of Cambodia was built in 1917 by the French colonial government to house Khmer sculptures and artifacts.
2. The museum's collection includes over 14,000 items, ranging from prehistoric pottery to Buddhist and Hindu sculptures from the Angkor period.
3. During the Khmer Rouge regime, the museum was closed and many of its artifacts were either destroyed or looted.
4. The museum was reopened in 1979 after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, and restoration work has been ongoing ever since.
5. One of the most famous items in the museum's collection is the statue of the Leper King, which was discovered in the Bayon temple in Angkor Wat.
6. The museum is home to many ancient Khmer textiles, including samples of silk from the 9th and 10th centuries.
7. The museum's central courtyard features a beautiful garden with a pond and numerous sculptures.
8. The museum is a popular destination for tourists, with over 200,000 visitors each year.
9. The National Museum of Cambodia is also involved in research and conservation efforts to preserve Cambodia's cultural heritage.
10. The museum offers guided tours in multiple languages, making it accessible to visitors from all over the world.

History of the National Museum of Cambodia

National Museum of Cambodia in the past

Here's a timeline of the history of the National Museum of Cambodia:

1. 1867: The Siamese army invades Cambodia and loots many of the country's cultural treasures, including ancient Khmer sculptures and artifacts.
2. 1884: The French colonial government establishes the École française d'Extrême-Orient (French School of the Far East) to study and preserve the cultural heritage of Indochina.
3. 1906: The Cambodian Royal Palace Museum is established to house the country's growing collection of Khmer sculptures and artifacts.
4. 1917: The French colonial government builds the National Museum of Cambodia to house the Royal Palace Museum's collection and to display other Khmer sculptures and artifacts.
5. 1925: The National Museum's collection is expanded to include prehistoric artifacts and objects from Cambodia's Cham and Khmer culture, which provides value to later Cambodian art.
6. 1945: The National Museum is temporarily closed during the Japanese occupation of Cambodia.
7. 1975: The Khmer Rouge regime comes to power in Cambodia and the National Museum is closed. Many of its artifacts are either destroyed or looted.
8. 1979: After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, the National Museum is reopened with a smaller collection of artifacts.
9. 1985: The French government provides funding to restore and expand the National Museum's collection.
10. 1998: The National Museum is awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.
11. 2003: A new exhibition hall is built to house the museum's collection of ancient Khmer textiles.
12. 2013: The National Museum undergoes a major renovation, with the installation of new lighting, security systems, and climate control.

Today, the National Museum of Cambodia continues to be a leading institution in the study and preservation of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. It is home to over 14,000 objects, including some of the world's most famous Khmer sculptures and artifacts. The museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Cambodia.

Cultural Significance of the National Museum of Cambodia

Khmer empire

The National Museum of Cambodia is home to one of the world's largest collections of Khmer art and artifacts, dating from prehistoric times to the Khmer Empire and beyond. The museum's collections include stone sculptures, ceramics, bronze objects, textiles, and more.

Some of the most notable pieces in the collection include the bronze statue of a reclining Vishnu, the Khmer ceramics collection, and the stone sculptures of Buddha. These artifacts are not only beautiful and valuable in their own right but are also significant for their role in Cambodian history and culture.

How to Tour the National Museum of Cambodia

Branze statue in National Museum of Cambodia

Here's a possible itinerary for a Phnom Penh day tour in the National Museum of Cambodia:

1. 9:00 AM: Start your day by taking a tuk-tuk or taxi to the National Museum of Cambodia. You can buy your tickets at the entrance and hire a guide if you want.
2. 9:30 AM: Begin your tour of the museum, which is divided into three main sections: the pre-Angkor period, the Angkor period, and the post-Angkor period. Take your time exploring the various galleries and exhibits that showcase the art, culture, and history of Cambodia.
3. 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes. There are several good options within walking distance of the museum, such as Romdeng Restaurant or Friends the Restaurant.
4. 2:00 PM: After lunch, head back to the museum and continue your tour. Don't miss the impressive collection of Khmer sculptures, including the famous statue of the Leper King.
5. 4:00 PM: End your visit by checking out the museum's gift shop, which offers a range of souvenirs and handicrafts made by local artisans.
6. 4:30 PM: Catch a tuk-tuk or taxi back to your accommodation, or continue your exploration of Phnom Penh by visiting other nearby attractions such as the Royal Palace or Wat Phnom.

Note that this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adjust the timing and activities to fit your interests and preferences.

How to Get to the National Museum of Cambodia

Tuk tuk in Phnom Penh

The National Museum is located on Street 13, just north of the Royal Palace and west of the Independence Monument. Here are a few ways to get there:

1. Tuk-Tuk: This is the most popular mode of transportation in Cambodia. You can easily find a tuk-tuk driver to get around Phnom Penh and take you to the National Museum. Just negotiate the price beforehand.
2. Taxi: You can also take a taxi to the museum using a ride-hailing app like Grab or PassApp.
3. Public bus: If you're on a budget, you can take a public bus to the museum. Bus routes #01 and #03 both stop near the museum.
4. Walking or biking: If you're staying in a nearby area, you can also consider walking or biking to the museum.

Related itineraries recommended to Cambodia:

5 Days Cambodia Tour to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

9 Days Classic Cambodia Tour

15 Days Exploration of Cambodia Tour

Visiting Tips

Statue of elephant

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when visiting the National Museum of Cambodia:

1. Dress modestly: As with most temples and museums in Cambodia, visitors are expected to dress modestly. This means no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or revealing clothing. It's recommended to wear long pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders.
2. Bring water: Cambodia can be hot and humid, so it's important to stay hydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle to avoid plastic waste.
3. Arrive early: The museum can get quite crowded, especially in the afternoons. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have more time to explore.
4. Hire a guide: Hiring a guide can enhance your experience at the museum. They can provide you with more information and insight into the exhibits and the history of Cambodia.
5. Take your time: The National Museum of Cambodia is a large complex, and there is a lot to see. Take your time exploring the different galleries and exhibits to fully appreciate everything the museum has to offer.
6. Respect the exhibits: The artifacts and exhibits in the museum are delicate and valuable. Respect the museum and its exhibits by not touching anything or taking photos where it is prohibited.
7. Bring cash: The museum only accepts cash payments, so make sure to bring enough Cambodian riel or US dollars for your admission fee and any souvenirs.

In the End

We hope this guide has helped you prepare for one of your most educational Cambodia tours to the National Museum of Cambodia. You're in for a treat as you explore the galleries filled with priceless artifacts that give a glimpse into Cambodia's rich history and culture.

With its stunning architecture and fascinating exhibits, the National Museum is a must-visit destination in Phnom Penh. Enjoy your visit, and we hope you gain a newfound appreciation for the art and history of Cambodia. For any questions, please contact us to tailor your Cambodia tours!