Phnom Penh National Museum of Cambodia

The museum holds the largest collection of ancient artifacts from the Khmer Empire including stunning artworks in wood, bronze, ceramic, and of course, stone. It offers a fantastic chance to take the amazing array and diversity of ancient Khmer arts spanning several centuries in one easy location. While the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap also has a large collection, beautifully and informatively presented, the Phnom Penh National Museum has an immensely larger collection of artifacts, yet, lacks the presentation. If only it was presented so elegantly as the museum in Siem Reap. The number of artifacts in the PP museum totals over 14,000 with only a small percentage actually on display.

The museum dates back to the French era, actually, it was built by the French and opened in the 1920s originally named the Musée Albert Sarraut after the French governor of the time. The stunning collection of artifacts has far outgrown the capacity of the site and little effort is seeming put into keeping info cards for the artifacts updated or at least legible. On this point, it’s a little sad it has to be said. In some areas, the items are crammed so tightly that it’s difficult to engage with the pieces in any meaningful way (at least that’s how it remains as of 2022).

Considering that point, do grab the audio headphones (extra $5), or take up the guided tour to help engage with and understand the stunning items on display.

Putting those gripes aside, it is what it is, and it’s the only place where you’ll be able to encounter such a grand collection. It’s definitely a must-visit.

The Exhibitions

The path through the museum follows a clockwise direction beginning with the stunning masterpiece that is a gigantic statue of the mythical bird, the Garuda. From there, it’s a collection of bronze works, some of them miniature and quite detailed, do keep an eye out for the dagger from the Phnom Bayang site, plus an array of Buddhas and Vishnu statuettes.

After that is another masterpiece, albeit barely surviving after its discovery, and that’s the remains of the reclining Vishnu that originates from the West Mebon of Angkor, Siem Reap.

Then the stoneworks begin with inscribed steles before moving into the large collection of statuary from the 6th century with many pieces from Phnom Da, continuing through later eras with statues originating from an array of sites across Cambodia. There are several rare linga and their pedestals, Buddhist boundary posts which are quite cool.

Then there is the stunning masterpiece that is the statues of Valin and Sugriva in battle, originating from Prasat Chen of Koh Ker.

That’s followed by more stunning works in stone from Koh Ker being the grand statues of Duryodhana and Bhima. Nearby there is a pediment from Banteay Srei in Siem Reap depicting that same battle scene between Duryodhana and Bhima.

Then there is one of the most treasured artifacts, the statue of the iconic king, Jayavarman VII. That’s followed by more statues, from Hindu and Buddhist mythology and another amazing piece, a complete section of the feature wall from the beautiful Banteay Chhmar with the iconic depiction of Avalokiteshvara.

After that, the museum continues with an array of beautiful wooden artifacts and collections from the 16-19th century. In the central courtyard there is a collection of lintels from a range of eras and sites, along with other very interesting curious relics, but, this is where it sadly gets a bit crammed and that’s a shame as some of the pieces are quite unique and especially interesting if its a site that you’ve been to or likely to visit as you traverse the empire.

Entry Tickets

Only available at the ticket booth, it’s $10 for adults and $5 for kids (under 17) with children under 10 free. Note the museum closes at lunchtime (11.30 till 1.30), so set your visit for the morning or afternoon allowing, depending on your level of interest, from 40 to 90 minutes to get around all the items.

Amenities and services

The museum features toilets, a cloakroom, and a souvenir shop. Guided tours are available.

Location

The museum is located in central Phnom Penh immediately to the north of the Royal Palace. Entry and the ticket booth are located at the corner of Streets 13 and 178.

Nearby

You’ll also want to visit the nearby Royal Palace, and immediately across from the restaurant are a couple of popular local eateries, being Restaurant Aroma (Lebanese cuisine) and Tatie’s (French Bakery). A short walk east is the beautiful promenade of Sisowath Quay.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..