National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh is a museum of Khmer art and archaeology that opened in 1920. Its collection is one of the most important holdings of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artefacts in the country.

The museum’s galleries display stone and bronze sculptures, architectural fragments and ritual objects from across Cambodia’s past, with emphasis on Angkorian art and the Khmer Empire. The central display halls and sculpture galleries concentrate highlights that span from pre-Angkorian periods through the Angkorian era.

Smaller displays and rotating exhibitions present regional finds and conservation projects, while the museum building itself-a red-brick structure built in a Khmer-derived style-is a frequent subject of photographs. Guided visits and explanatory labels help place sculptural works in chronological and cultural context.

The museum was founded under French colonial administration and opened in 1920; George Groslier played a leading role in its creation and early curation. The building was constructed in the early 20th century in a deliberately Khmer architectural idiom to house and preserve national antiquities.

Located in central Phnom Penh, the museum sits near the Royal Palace and along busy urban streets, making it an accessible stop when touring the city’s historic quarter.

• Location tip: The museum sits across from the Royal Palace and is within walking distance of other central Phnom Penh landmarks.

What to See #

• Main building and sculpture galleries: The central red sandstone museum building in a Khmer architectural style houses the main exhibition halls and sculpture galleries.
• Chronological galleries and collections: Galleries organised by period, including pre-Angkorian and Angkorian sculpture collections that contain stone and bronze works.