As the home to one of the oldest and richest cultures in Southeast Asia, the Kingdom of Cambodia boasts no fewer than eight museums, with the imposingly beautiful National Museum easily the grandest, and one of the jewels of the Phnom Penh capital. Building commence in 1917 and upon completion on April 13, 1920, it was officially inaugurated under the high auspices of His Majesty Preah Bat Sisowath, King of Cambodia. Located by the north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum is built on an area of 12,690 square meter of land adjoining the Royal Ploughing Field Park. The Museum is surrounded by a haven of lush gardens and planted trees. It attracts many international visitors, ranking second after the Royal Palace as the city’s most popular attraction. The National Museum offers a charming backdrop for a stunning collection of ancient Khmer art. Predominantly constructed of sandstone, these sculptures date from both the Angkorean and Pre-Angkorean eras. The exhibits are complemented by more recent examples of Cambodian art. Location: Street 178 & Street 13, next to the North side of the Royal Palace. Price of entry is $2.00. Open: 08:00-11:30 and 14:00-17:00, open daily. Photography is prohibited inside the Museum.
