Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: A Somber Reminder

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum memorializes a dark chapter in Cambodian history. As the site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center, it serves as a testament to the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979.

Originally, the site was a high school, repurposed by the Khmer Rouge into a prison where an estimated 20,000 people were tortured and executed, with only 12 survivors. The museum preserves the remnants of torture and the eerie photographs of victims, reflecting the architecture's grim transformation from an educational institution to a site of horror.

Key Insights

🖼️ Graphic Exhibits: The museum displays haunting black-and-white photographs of victims taken during their imprisonment.
📖 Personal Stories: Guides provide narratives of individual stories behind the photography, adding depth to the emotional experience.
🎥 Documentaries: Daily screenings of documentaries, including director Rithy Panh's works, enhance understanding of the period.

The museum is accessible for all, offering a paid entry that supports its educational efforts. It’s particularly impactful for historians, educators, and those interested in human rights.