Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh occupies the former S-21 security prison used by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. It is preserved as a museum documenting the abuses, detainee records, and surviving evidence from that period.

Arranged within the former school compound are preserved cells, interrogation rooms, and walls covered with prisoner identity photographs and administrative records. Exhibits combine original buildings and displays that chronicle how suspects were processed, detained, and in many cases transferred from the prison to execution sites.

S-21 operated as the regime’s central security prison during the Khmer Rouge period; after 1979 the site was opened to document the atrocities and to hold records that were recovered. The museum preserves documentary and physical evidence and serves as a focal point for remembrance and education.

Tuol Sleng sits in central Phnom Penh and is accessible by road from other city landmarks and memorial sites.

• Visitor conduct: The site is solemn and documentary in focus; visitors are expected to observe respectful behaviour while viewing prisoner photos, testimonies, and cell rooms.

What to See #

• S-21 prison buildings: Original school buildings converted by the Khmer Rouge into prison cells and interrogation rooms, now preserved as exhibits with rooms numbered and photographic displays.
• Photograph and records exhibitions: A small exhibition area and displays of prisoner photographs, documents, and the administrative records kept by the prison.