National Museum

The National Museum of Cambodia houses one of the world's greatest collections of Khmer cultural material including sculpture, ceramics and ethnographic objects from the prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and post-Angkorian periods.

The Museum promotes awareness, understanding and appreciation of Cambodia's heritage through the presentation, conservation, safekeeping, interpretation and acquisition of Cambodian cultural material. It aims to educate and inspire its visitors.

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.

Elsewhere around the museum are display of pottery and bronzes dating from the pre-Angkor periods of Funan and Chenla (4th to 9th centuries), the Indravraman period (9th and 10th centuries), the classical Angkor period (10th to 14th centuries), as well as more recent works.

The National Museum of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built 1917-20) just north of the Royal Palace. It is located on street 13 in central Phnom Penh. The visitor’s entrance to the compound and the admissions ticket booth are at the corner of streets 13 and 178.

Opening hours are from 8.00am until 5.00pm daily. Last admission tickets are sold at 4.30pm.

Admission costs are US$5 for foreigner ages from 10 to 17 years old, US$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.

Guides who speak French and English are available, and there is also a booklet - Khmer Art in Stone - available at the front desk, which gives a rundown with locations of the most important objects on display.

The museum comprises four courtyards which face onto a garden courtyards to the left and straight ahead of the entrance.

Map of National Museum