Phnom Penh Cambodia National Museum

Discover Cambodia's Rich History at the National Museum in Phnom Penh

Explore the National Museum, Home to Cambodia's Finest Collection of Khmer Art and Historical Artifacts

Information about National Museum

The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the country. Housing the largest collection of Khmer art and artifacts in the world, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient history, from the pre-Angkorian period to the height of the Khmer Empire. With over 14,000 items on display, including sculptures, ceramics, and religious artifacts, the museum provides an immersive experience that highlights the artistic and cultural achievements of the Khmer civilization. Set in a beautiful traditional building, the National Museum serves as both a cultural treasure and a peaceful retreat in the heart of Phnom Penh.

Interesting facts about National Museum

Largest Collection of Khmer Art: The National Museum holds more than 14,000 artifacts, including ancient sculptures, ceramics, and bronzes, showcasing Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage.

Established in 1920: The museum was established in 1920, making it one of the oldest cultural institutions in Cambodia and a key destination for understanding Khmer culture.

Pre-Angkorian to Post-Angkorian Artifacts: The museum’s collection spans from the pre-Angkorian period to the post-Angkorian period, offering insight into the evolution of Khmer art and history.

Highlights Close to National Museum

Phnom Penh Cambodia Killing field
Choeung Ek Killing Fields

The Choeung Ek Killing Fields in Phnom Penh is one of Cambodia's most somber and significant memorial sites, serving as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. This site, once an execution ground, is now a place of reflection and education. Thousands of Cambodians were brought here to be killed after being detained at the nearby Tuol Sleng prison. Visitors to Choeung Ek can walk through the memorial, which includes a Buddhist stupa filled with the skulls of victims, and learn about the dark history through informative exhibits and guided tours. It’s a poignant destination that offers insight into one of the most tragic periods in Cambodian history.

New Silk Road 2016 Oldtimerrallye :: Tag 23-24 Von Fergana nach Osh
Koh Oknha Tey

Located on an island in the middle of the Mekong just upstream from Phnom Penh, Koh Oknha Tey is renowned as the center of Cambodia’s silk trade. We love this stop because it offers a complete picture of the craft: visitors can watch the entire silk-making process, from silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves to artisans dyeing and weaving the delicate threads on traditional wooden looms underneath stilt houses. Beyond the workshops, the island offers a peaceful glimpse into rural life, with pagodas and sandy paths set among mango and banana plantations, making it perfect for a cycling excursion.

phnom penh
Psar Thmei

Psar Thmei Market in Phnom Penh, also known as the Central Market, is one of Cambodia’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 1930s in stunning Art Deco style, its central dome and wide hallways house hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and local delicacies to jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. It's a bustling hub for both locals and tourists, providing an authentic Cambodian market experience.

phnom penh
Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is a majestic symbol of Cambodia's monarchy and a stunning example of traditional Khmer architecture. Located along the banks of the Tonle Sap River, the palace has been the royal residence since the 1860s. The complex includes the Silver Pagoda, with floors made from solid silver tiles, and the Throne Hall, where royal ceremonies are held. Visitors can explore these magnificent structures while learning about the history and culture of Cambodia’s monarchy. With its golden spires, manicured gardens, and ornate details, the Royal Palace is a must-see destination for travelers interested in the country’s heritage.

phnom penh
The Royal Palace

Besuchen Sie den Königlichen Palast in Phnom Penh und tauchen Sie ein in die reiche Geschichte und Kultur Kambodschas. Dieser majestätische Komplex besticht durch seine prächtigen Gebäude, kunstvollen Verzierungen und die lebendige Geschichte, die er erzählt – ein absolutes Muss für jeden Besucher.

Phnom Penh Cambodia Toul Sleng Prison
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh stands as a stark reminder of Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Originally a high school, it was transformed into Security Prison 21 (S-21) in 1975, where thousands of Cambodians were detained, tortured, and executed. Today, the museum serves as a place of reflection and education, with exhibits displaying haunting photographs, personal stories, and the brutal history of this dark period. Visitors are invited to learn about the atrocities committed, pay tribute to the victims, and better understand Cambodia’s path to recovery and healing.

phnom penh
Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom, a small hilltop temple in Phnom Penh, is one of the city's most famous landmarks and holds great historical and spiritual significance. Built in 1372, it is the tallest religious structure in the capital, standing 27 meters above the city. According to legend, the temple was founded by Lady Penh, a wealthy woman who discovered four Buddha statues inside a tree washed ashore by the Mekong River. Wat Phnom has since become a sacred site for locals who come to pray for good fortune and prosperity, while also serving as a popular attraction for visitors seeking to understand Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

Our trips to National Museum