Museums and galleries in Siem Reap

Museums and galleries in Siem Reap

1. See

   Angkor National Museum

   A modern museum with exhibits covering the history of the Khmer Empire, and the art, architecture, clothing, and culture of Khmer civilization, with a special focus on the Angkor complex. It is worth spending a couple of hours in the air-conditioned galleries as a break from visiting temples. Lots of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian statues, plus informative videos. Some say the 1,000 Buddhas room is as impressive as it sounds. The gift shop has some lovely souvenirs and fascinating books, but they're very overpriced. Visitors are required to check bags, water, and hats at the entrance (for free). Photography prohibited.

   Daily 08:30-18:00·US$12; audio guide in many languages US$5 (credit card accepted)

2. See

   Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

   Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a community development project and tourist destination just down the road from the Landmine Museum and Banteay Srey temple. Revenue from admissions is used to pay families in remote villages who are farming butterflies for the exhibit. The project makes a real difference to the farmers' livelihoods and provides a wonderful experience for visitors as they can see spectacular local butterfly species flying close at hand in a beautiful tropical garden.

   09:00-1700·US$4 adults, US$2 children under 12

3. See

   Landmine Museum

   This tiny museum was set up by local deminer Aki Ra to educate locals and tourists about the dangers of land mines. Piles of defused mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) lie around the site and the guides are mostly teenagers who were orphaned or injured by mines, many of whom live on-site. This is a very worthwhile attraction that brings home the scale of the problem and shows you a slice of real Cambodia. Used clearance charts from their demining operations are available for purchase at the gift shop, letting you buy the organization's waste to support their operations.

   Daily 08:00–17:00·US$5

4. Buy

   Theam's House Gallery

   Exhibits paintings and art created by the artist-designer Theam Lim, who has studied at Ecole Boulle and Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Theam's House Gallery and atelier are in the house of the artist, built by himself, inspired by Khmer rural architecture, surrounded by a garden.

   Daily 08:00-19:00

5. See

   War museum

   Collection of old (mainly Russian) tanks, artillery, landmines, handguns etc. Also some history background about the Cambodian civil war is displayed. Worthwhile for a 1-2 hour visit if interested in military.

   Daily 08:00–17:30·US$5

6. Do Not mapped

   Angkor Photography Festival: Photography for Change

   Annual festival that showcases outdoor projections and various exhibitions around Siem Reap of regional and international photographers. The festival is held during the last week of November every year, consisting of 7 evenings of outdoor projections and more than 10 gallery exhibitions across various venues in the city. The festival is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and is also the biggest. It aims to highlight the work of Asian photographers and provides free workshops for 30 young photographers from the region every year, led by world renowned professionals, which are showcased during the event. There is a full time office/gallery for the festival located on the East river road near the Bopha Angkor Hotel. As well as the festival, the organisers support a local NGO working with street children, that promotes the arts and runs a photography course with students. Photography from these students is also showcased as part of the festival programme.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Siem Reap (CC BY-SA 4.0).