National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh is the country's largest and most important repository of Khmer art and cultural heritage. Opened in 1920 during the French protectorate era, the building itself is an elegant example of Khmer architecture, designed by French scholar George Groslier with red terracotta tile roofs, pavilions, and a central courtyard garden. The museum's four galleries hold a collection of over 14,000 objects spanning from prehistoric times through the post-Angkor period, with highlights including the colossal Vishnu of Mebon, the Leper King statue from Angkor Thom, and exceptional bronze and stone sculptures tracing the full arc of Khmer artistic achievement. An informative audio guide helps contextualise the collection for first-time visitors.