Art Travel in Cambodia — 4 Art Spaces That Span Cambodia’s Tradition and Modernity

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Art Travel in Cambodia — 4 Art Spaces That Span Cambodia’s Tradition and Modernity

Cambodian art, which grew out of the legacy of Khmer civilization, forged its identity through a complicated modern history. Since the 1980s in particular, the restoration of traditional culture has gone hand in hand with a fresh look at the past, and original creative work has flourished as well. Contemporary art that fully conveys Cambodia’s dynamism is also worth watching: modern reinterpretations of traditional Khmer sculpture and dance, street art centered on graffiti, and works closely tied to historical and social messages. From the vast heritage left by the Khmer kingdom to media art, here are four art spaces in Phnom Penh where you can encounter the past and present of Cambodian art.

Words Pitch by Magazine
Photos Park Shinwoo
In collaboration with ASEAN-Korea Centre

National Museum of Cambodia
National Museum of Cambodia

Located near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the National Museum of Cambodia houses the world’s most extensive collection of Khmer art. It holds more than 14,000 artifacts from prehistoric times through the post-Angkor era, offering a close look not only at Khmer art, which flourished centered on Cambodia, but also at the country’s culture and history.
The museum was completed in 1920, during the French colonial period, under the direction of Georges Grosier, a French historian and architect. With its red exterior walls carved with intricate traditional Khmer motifs and its curved roofs, the building reinterprets an ancient Cambodian temple and blends in French architectural styles, giving it a distinctive form. In 1966, the Cambodian archaeologist Chea Thay Seng was appointed director, which allowed the museum to establish a truly Cambodian identity. It was shut down under the Khmer Rouge regime, but it reopened in April 1979 and continues to play an important role in preserving and promoting Cambodia’s cultural traditions. The collection is divided broadly into bronze, ceramic, wooden, and stone works, with a range of religious art, including Buddhist and Hindu statues, counted among the highlights.

Opened: April 1920

Hours: Daily 8:00–17:00

Admission: Adults $10. Ages 10–17 $5

Address: Preah Ang Eng Street 13, Phnom Penh

Meta House
Meta House

Founded in 2007, Meta House is one of the most influential independent art centers in Cambodia. Nico Mesterharm, a German filmmaker and arts activist, started it to breathe new energy into the Cambodian art scene. Beginning as a small community center, it has grown into a hub for experiencing Phnom Penh’s dynamic art scene, and it also collaborates with the Goethe-Institut, the German cultural center. Almost every day, Meta House hosts a wide range of cultural events, from exhibitions and performances to films, concerts, and DJ parties, and it also offers German language courses. Among its main goals are actively supporting local and emerging artists and opening its doors wide to both locals and foreigners, providing a lively venue for international exchange. After enjoying an exhibition or event, mingle with all kinds of people at a bar that feels like a slice of Berlin nightlife and a restaurant run by a chef from Genoa, Italy, and discover the energy of Phnom Penh.

Opened: 2007

Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00; closed Sat and Sun

Admission: Free

Address: #48, Street 228, Phnom Penh

Website:    www.meta-house.com/

FACTORY Phnom Penh
FACTORY Phnom Penh

FACTORY Phnom Penh is a multipurpose cultural space that opened in 2017 in a renovated building used as a garment factory since the 1960s. On a 3.4-hectare site, it includes Cambodia’s largest coworking space, offices for startups, exhibition halls, and studios, along with leisure facilities such as a café, a cinema, and a skatepark. The open layout, which preserves the factory’s original framework, stirs the creativity of its users. It is more than capable of serving as a hub for artists and creators as well as startups. As you ride FACTORY Phnom Penh’s own shared bicycles around the campus, you will come across works by Cambodian and international artists throughout the buildings, including graffiti covering the exterior walls. The complex also has a 2,200-square-meter art space used for everything from small galleries to art markets and events, and it runs a residency program for a variety of artists and creators.

Opened: 2017

Hours: Daily 7:00–21:00

Admission: Free

Address: #1159 National Road 2, Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh

Website:    factoryphnompenh.com

Rosewood Phnom Penh, a five-star hotel in the 188-meter Vattanac Capital Tower, one of Phnom Penh’s landmarks, is regarded as a place to experience the city’s modern, luxurious side of culture and art. Credit goes to the panoramic views of downtown Phnom Penh and the Mekong River, the high-quality dining and spa facilities, and the interiors that reflect traditional Cambodian art, along with artworks that decorate the hotel throughout. The art gallery on the 35th floor in particular is a must-visit for lovers of Cambodian contemporary art. It showcases a variety of contemporary works in collaboration with some of the most closely watched emerging artists in Cambodia today, and it opens a new exhibition every two months. Open to outside visitors as well as hotel guests, and accessible 24 hours a day, it lets anyone browse the exhibitions freely, enjoy Cambodia’s vibrant contemporary art, and find new inspiration.

Opened: 2018

Hours: 24 hours

Admission: Free

Address: 35F, Vattanac Capital Tower, 66 Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh