Discovering the Glorious Era of the Khmer Empire at Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap is dedicated to showcasing and educating about the art, culture, and history of the Khmer Empire. It's an unmissable destination for travelers seeking to delve into the history and culture of Cambodia.

Revisiting the Golden Age of the Khmer Empire at Angkor National Museum

Outside view of the museum premises.

Angkor National Museum is an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts from the Angkor period. It also provides information and education about the art and culture of the Khmer civilization. The museum displays collections dating from the Angkor period of the Khmer Empire, roughly from the 9th to the 14th century. Most of the artifacts in the museum were discovered within and around the archaeological sites of Angkor nearby.

Opened on November 12, 2007,

reimagines the golden age of the Khmer Empire using multimedia technology. The museum showcases historical documents, civilization, and cultural heritage of the Khmer through eight exhibition rooms.

The exhibitions in this museum are arranged in a directional manner through themed exhibition rooms. Audio guides are available at the entrance in Khmer, English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai languages.

Before entering the exhibition rooms, visitors are invited to sit in an 80-seat theater to be introduced to the collections, exhibition rooms, and facilities of the

. Showtimes are scheduled every 15 minutes and are available in 7 languages: Khmer, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, English, French, and Thai.

Hall of 1,000 Buddhas: This exhibition hall showcases the spiritual influence of Buddhism on the people of Cambodia, from the ancient Khmer civilization to modern Cambodia. It also houses valuable collections of Buddha statues and relics.

Exhibition Hall A: Showcasing the Khmer Civilization: Explains how the Khmer Empire was established, explores what drove the ancient Khmer to create monumental architectural works, their belief in great kings, and the history of the region.

Exhibition Hall B: Religion and Beliefs: Provides insight into the religion and beliefs of the Khmer civilization, including literary works, sculptures, architecture, and daily life.

Exhibition Hall C: Great Khmer Kings: A historical exhibition about the famous Khmer kings, such as King Jayavarman II, who unified the two realms of Chenla around 802–850. King Yasovarman I, who established Angkor as the capital from 889 to 900. King Suryavarman II, who built Angkor Wat around 1116–1145. And King Jayavarman VII, who constructed Angkor Thom around 1181–1201.

Hall D: Angkor Wat: Exhibition hall showcasing the history, spiritual concepts, and architectural techniques behind the magnificent structure of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

Hall E: Angkor Thom: Introduces the construction and expansion process of Angkor Thom. Changes in religious beliefs, as well as ancient engineering techniques for public utilities such as roads and large-scale hydraulic projects to support the populace.

Hall F: Stories Carved in Stone: Displays stone carvings found throughout Angkor depicting important historical events.

Hall G: Ancient Costumes: Exhibits clothing, jewelry, and accessories of ancient Khmer people illustrated by sculptures of gods, goddesses, and celestial dancers known as Apsaras.

Posted by: Duân Nguyễn Thị

Keywords: Angkor National Museum Cambodia – Reviving the Golden Era of the Khmer Empire