- Area: Siem Reap Province > Krong Siem Reab > Svay Dangkom Commune > Sala Kansaeng Village
- | Type: Museum
Located in Siem Reap along the route to Angkor Wat from the city center, the Angkor National Museum is one of the country’s finest offering an excellently presented exhibition of ancient artifacts from across the Khmer Empire. Superior in every way to the museum in Phnom Penh, the offering in Siem Reap elegantly and informative presents not only artifacts from the Angkor region but introduces the entire ancient Khmer Empire.
The museum is laid out across two floors with eight galleries, timewise, I spent around two hours perusing the artifacts and taking in the presentations. The building itself is open-air while the galleries are refreshingly air-conditioned. There is also a coffee shop on site.
The galleries (as of 2022) are as such
Gallery of 1000 Buddha Images – featuring a stunning collection of stone, bronze, and wooden Buddha images including a very ancient and very small statue of Krishna from around the 6th century.
Khmer Civilisation – featuring a range of statuary, storyboards and audio/visual introducing the Khmer people from the 1st century on.
Religion and Beliefs – introducing mythologies and folk tales
The Great Khmer Kings – focuses on the famous kings of the Angkorian era from Jayavarman II through to Jayavarman VII.
A lot of art styles are introduced in this section too with a collection of lintels and decorated door columns.
Angkor Wat – Includes several artifacts, statuary, and audiovisual presentation
Angkor Thom – a range of statues and artifacts from Angkor Thom with very informative storyboards introducing features of the empire at that time such as the hospital chapels introduced under Jayavarman VII.
Stories from Stones – a collection of inscribed steles and artifacts
Ancient Costume – A collection of statuary showcasing the different clothing and jewelry styles over the centuries.
Entry Cost: tickets are $12 and can be purchased on site.
Open Times: 8.30 am to 6.30 pm (please see their Facebook page for updates.)
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