National Museum of Cambodia

February 26, 2023  Cambodian Chef

The National Museum of Cambodia houses one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art material including sculpture, ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects from the prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and post-Angkorian times.

The National Museum of Cambodia is located on Street 13 in central Phnom Penh, to the north of the Royal Palace and on the west side of Veal Preah Man square. The visitor’s entrance to the compound and the admissions ticket booth are at the corner of Streets 13 and 178.

History of Cambodia Museum

The museum buildings, inspired by Khmer temple architecture, were constructed between 1917 and 1924, the museum was officially inaugurated in 1920, and it was renovated in 1968. The museum closed between 1975 and 1979, the years of Khmer Rouge control and re-opened on 13 April 1979.

Museum Tourist Note

• Opening hours are from 8.00am until 5.00pm daily. Last admission tickets are sold at 4.30pm.
• Admission costs are $5 for foreigner ages from 10 to 17 years od, $10 foreigner ages from 18 years old up , 500 riels for Cambodians. Children and school groups are free.
• Guided tours can be arranged for individuals or groups at the museum entrance. Tours are available in Khmer, English, French and Japanese.
• Photography is not permitted within the museum galleries, but visitors are welcome to film or photograph the museum exterior and courtyard. Those wishing to obtain images of the museum or collection for study or Publications should email the museum to request an application form or contact a staff member.
• Smoking is not permitted inside the museum.
• The Museum store is located at the main entrance. Postcards, souvenirs, replica sculptures and books on a variety of art and culture topics are available.
• Cloakroom facilities are available at the main entrance. Please leave large items and bags here.
• Bathrooms are located downstairs near the main entrance. See the map overleaf for
• detail see map overleaf for details.
• Donations to the museum are greatly appreciated and contribute to operating costs, programmes to protect Cambodian heritage and museum maintenance. Donation boxes are located near the main entrance, or contact a member of staff.

Note: In order not to skip a large area of the museum, you should start left and continue in a clockwise and chronological direction.

Some highlights include the eight-armed statue of Vishnu from the 6th or 7th century, the statue of Shiva (circa 877-866) and the sublime statue of Jayavarman VII seated (circa 1181-1218), his head bowed slightly in a meditative pose.

Cambodia Museum Courtyard

The entire compound covers an enormous area comprising four pavilions which face an inviting courtyard garden

How to reach National Museum in Phnom Penh

Visitor can reach the museum from any part of the city. The city has a well connected transport system with the government providing buses and service taxis. The museum is located at the north of the Royal Palace.

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