National Museum, Phnom Penh

the National Monument in Phnom Penh performs much the same function as the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or it's smaller copy in the capital of neighbouring Lao or Big Ben in London, it defines the capital to a great extent whilst being effectively useless. Well, I suppose at least Big Ben tells you the time. Perhaps I am being a little harsh insofar as if it engenders national pride and a sense of identity or whatever, it performs some role.

To the facts. The National Monument was built in 1958, obviously in a Khmer style and represents a lotus flower shaped stupa reminiscent of the Angkor complex which is the country's greatest treasure and was designed by a Khmer artist, Vann Molyvann. It was constructed after independence from France.

Due to the many tragic events in the country's history, the monument now also serves as a sort of Cenotaph and is frequently used for ceremonies, particularly on Independence Day.

When I visited, it was surrounded by railings warning me to keep out so I had to content myself with a couple of photos from the corner of the roundabout that encircles it. You will be hard pushed to spend any time in the city and not pass it at some point.

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The national museum has around 5000 artifacts from around Cambodia, both from the Ankor period and the times before and after that.
The place is quite impressive and a must if you are interested in Ankor Wat as there are many things that were escavated at the Ankor site.
There is also a little store at the museum which has a good selection of books from Cambodia aswell as other things.
Be aware that you are not allowed to take photos inside the museum.

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Located north of the Royal Palace, the museum is housed in a Khmer-style terracotta building, designed in 1920, by a French architect. Admission to the museum costs $3USD. The museum's four courtyards house one of the world's largest collections of Khmer art, including sculpture, ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects. The collection includes over 14,000 items, from prehistoric times to periods before, during, and after the Khmer Empire.

Photography is not allowed inside the museum, but for a $1USD fee, cameras can be used both in the courtyard garden as well as the gardens surrounding the museum.

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The museum is an eye-catching structure, and is the country's leading historical and archaeological museum. The Museum buildings are inspired by Khmer temple architecture, were constructed between 1917 and 1924, and are a Rust Red colour, very attractive looking.

Inside is one of the world's largest collections of Khmer art, including sculpture, ceramics, and lots more. The Museum’s collection includes over 14,000 items, from prehistoric times to periods before, during, and after the Khmer Empire.
There is also a collection of important Buddhist and Hindu sculpture.

Pieces date back to the 6th century. I found this museum to be very good and interesting, and should be on your places to visit list.

PHOTOGRAPHY IS ONLY ALLOWED IN THE COURT AREA.

OPEN 8 - 5PM DAILY Closed for lunch

ADMISSION IN 2008 was .....$3.00 per person.

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I really just had one day to see downtown Phnom Penh before heading out to the PIO schools; however, the Fancy Guesthouse was in a great location for a walking tour. The ticket office entrance to the National Museum of Cambodia (northeast corner) was just three blocks away. I did not go inside but I must say the exterior is quite impressive. There is a large park in front of the museum (toward the river). There were a few boys playing soccer there in an area that was actually sand. One of the videoclips was taken here. You may see where the "fixer-upper" is located in it. The museum is open from 08:00 - 17:00 seven days a week and the entrance fee is $3.00 for foreign visitors (500 riel or ~$0.12 for Cambodians). One hour group tours cost $3.00. Please note that the new national museum in Siem Reap is called the Angkor National Museum.

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The national Museum of Arts is housed in an impressive building and displays sculptures, statues and artifacts from Cambodia's past. Has a central garden which is picturesque. Guides can be hired at the entrance.

Once I stepped into this museum, it really reminds me of the national museum in Jakarta including the artifacts and set-up. Entrance fees of USD3 gives you access to years and years of Khmer history, culture and art. I was particularly amazed by the amount of statues that they are able to find and preserve until this present day. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours in this place even if you are not a history buff.

Open everyday from 8.00am till 5.00p.m.

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Housed in an airy, traditional style building finished in 1920, is the archaeological collection of the National Museum. The collection features Khmer artifacts including large statues of deities, pre-Angkorian pottery and Brahmanist stone phalluses called lingas.

The museum looks old and not well looked after, the inside garden is nice, but the exhibits aren't well exposed. I was a bit disappointed.

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When you should like to learn more about the history of Cambodia and the Kmer people, than a visit to the National Museum is extremely interesting. You will discover, that the Kmer Kingdom covered in the 12 and 13 century a great part of Vietnam and the actual Thailand.
Moreover you can admire splendid old Kmer stonecarvings, reminding you on Angkor Wat.
The interior court is beautifull arranged with trees, fountains and flowers.

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if you have time and haven't been to Angkor Wat, you may pay this museum a visit. it located at the north of Royal Palace. it house the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture.

Admission fee: USD3
Opening hour: 8am - 5pm
**Photography is prohibited