Angkor National Museum

ANM-Bulletin Vol.1
Ven Sophorn

Art and cultural landmark, reflecting the past!

Cambodia’s golden ancient history and civilization come alive in Siem Reap, most significant art and cultural landmark, the Angkor National Museum.

It has already been a few years, since 12^th November 2007, that we can see this beautifully outstanding museum, recommended as a must-to-see touristic place in Seam Reap Town. The museum is remarkably established in this ancient city and regarded as a world class museum that inspires the wonderful history of Khmer civilization, culture and Art. Anyone traveling along the main road to the Angkor historical park could easily notice this unique building from its museum’s structure where its architectural concept is adopted with a link between the modern and a traditional style of Khmer monument. It is situated in a huge area of over 20,000 square meters. Inside the building, visitors will be impressed with the immense collection of over 1,300 artifacts which are selected, consolidated, and well preserved in the best condition where the visitors can learn and experience in a very comfortable atmosphere.

The artifacts on display are mainly transferred from the National Museum in Phnom Penh and the Conservation d’ Angkor Site (the warehouses in Siem Reap where artifacts have been assembled since 1908). Amongst the exhibits are beautiful Hindu and Buddhist sculptures as well as other priceless objects, revealing its mythologies and historical stories that give good knowledgeable background which can make a good value for the visit. The galleries are equipped with interactive multimedia technology for full picture in a comprehensive way. As a result, a visit to the Angkor National Museum is a worthwhile in addition to any trip to the archaeological and historical park.

There are eight galleries displaying artifacts in chronicle order from the 6^th to the late 18^thcentury A.D. i.e. Exclusive gallery of 1,000 Buddha, Khmer Civilization, Religion and Beliefs, The Great Khmer Kings, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Story from Stones, and Ancient Costume. Upon the visit, the visitors will be treated with warm welcome and convenient services such as fast ticketing, deposit box, fast fact information, and optional services i.e. audio tour guide in 7 languages.