National Museum of Cambodia 🇰🇭

Located in Chey Chumneas, central Phnom Penh, the National Museum of Cambodia is the country's leading historical and archaeological museum. As Cambodia's largest museum of cultural history, it offers you an unparalleled journey through national heritage. You will discover one of the world's largest collections of Khmer art, featuring over 14,000 items spanning from prehistoric times through periods before, during, and after the vast Khmer Empire.

Within its galleries, you can examine magnificent sculptural works, Khmer ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects. The museum also serves an active religious function, housing important Buddhist and Hindu sculptures used as a place of worship, including the Post-Angkorian Buddha permanent exhibition. Constructed between 1917 and 1924 and inaugurated in 1920, the museum building itself is a masterpiece designed by George Groslier.

Inspired by ancient Khmer temple architecture seen on bas-reliefs and reinterpreted through a colonial lens, it stands north of the Royal Palace with an entrance at Streets 13 and 178. Whether you want to view repatriated artifacts like the 10th-century stone goddess Uma or deepen your appreciation for Cambodian culture, this institution aims to educate, inspire, and foster deep cultural pride.

What to see at National Museum of Cambodia

• Over 14,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to post-Khmer Empire eras
• Khmer temple-inspired architecture designed by historian George Groslier
• Active religious sanctuary housing Hindu and Post-Angkorian Buddha sculptures
• Recently repatriated masterpieces including a 10th-century stone goddess Uma

Visiting tips

Access the museum compound using the visitor entrance located at the corner of Streets 13 and 178.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

National Museum of Cambodia is easy to reach on Phnom Penh’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Tuol Sleng torture center. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Phnom Penh travel guide.