Modernisation of the National Museum of Cambodia

The project for the rehabilitation and expansion of the National Museum of Cambodia is part of a strengthened cultural cooperation between France and Cambodia, built on a long-standing and ongoing collaboration in heritage preservation. It is also aligned with regional dynamics, as part of the France-ASEAN partnership, where heritage is a core element of cultural cooperation strategy.

On June 29, 2022, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts H.E. Sackona Phoeurng requested France’s support in rehabilitating the National Museum of Cambodia. This emblematic place was originally built in the 1920s by George Groslier, and remains the principal institution for the conservation and promotion of historical and archaeological heritage in Cambodia's capital city. While the museum has played a key role in preserving this heritage, it requires rehabilitation and extension works to meet international standards for visitor experience and collection management.

The signing of a letter of intent between the governments of France and Cambodia in January 2024, marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to conduct feasibility and planning studies for the renovation and expansion of the National Museum of Cambodia.

The rehabilitation and expansion project of the National Museum of Cambodia aims to strengthen collection management and enhance the visitor experience, under the leadership of Minister of Culture and Fine Arts H.E. Sackona Phoeurng and Museum Director Mr. Visoth Chhay.

The activities develop within the framework of the project will primarily benefit the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the museum itself, both of which play a central role in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage. The Cambodian population, will also see their heritage better preserved and showcased, and tourists will enjoy a modernised and expanded museum.

This initiative will also contribute to reinforcing Cambodia’s attractiveness as a leading cultural destination.

The project to modernise the National Museum of Cambodia is based on the study of the museum’s collections so as to adapt their presentations and the programming of cultural activities to the visitors’ needs. It is structured around three areas of operation.

1 – Collection Study and Museum Strategy

An in-depth study of the museum’s collections and the definition of the museum strategy enable the museum to optimise the presentation of collections, aligning them with contemporary conservation and exhibition standards. Key tasks include the development of a collection catalogue to guide exhibition and conservation choices, as well as recommendations on the distribution of artworks within the redesigned spaces.

These activities are crucial, not only for preserving objects but also for presenting them in a way that enhances understanding and visibility of Cambodia’s heritage.

2 – Functional and Architectural Assessment of the Museum

A comprehensive historical and architectural assessment of the museum’s buildings and of the Royal University of Fine Arts will make it possible to identify necessary interventions to ensure safety, accessibility, and infrastructure modernisation while preserving the site’s unique character. It will help detect any structural deterioration and determine renovation needs, with the goal of providing visitors with spaces that meet international standards. The project to renovate and extend the museum will be developed alongside cost estimates, laying the groundwork for future construction phases.

The planned renovations will also help establish the museum as a premier cultural venue, both for national and international visitors, thereby contributing to the growth of the country’s cultural and tourism sectors.

3 – Audience Policy and Scientific & Cultural Programming of the museum

The third area of operation focuses on developing an audience engagement policy and a scientific and cultural program for the museum. This initiative aims to analyse the profiles of current and potential visitors to tailor offerings to their expectations while strengthening the museum’s integration within the local cultural and tourism landscape. Studies on existing audiences and tourism trends will inform recommendations on attracting and retaining visitors.

Simultaneously, a structured scientific and cultural pre-program will be developed in close collaboration with the museum's teams to provide a roadmap for the establishment. This pre-program will include proposals for cultural and educational programming, audience policy, business model, as well as a staff training plan. This initiative will not only enhance the museum’s attractiveness but also position it as a centre for research and dissemination of Cambodian culture, contributing to the promotion of the national cultural heritage and the broader development of the country.