(ANN/THE PHNOM PENH POST) – The National Museum of Cambodia has experienced a significant surge in visitor numbers following the display of Khmer artefacts recently returned from abroad.
The museum houses an extensive collection of Cambodian treasures, which continues to expand annually as the country successfully reclaims antiques previously looted and traded overseas.
Chhay Visoth, the museum’s director, announced the arrival of a batch of 14 artefacts from the US on July 3, marked by an official ceremony on July 4.
While these newly recovered items will not be immediately available for public viewing, more pieces are anticipated in the coming months. An official reception ceremony, to be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet, is planned for their presentation.
Visoth shared that 99 sculptures, returned in previous years, are currently on display until December 18, alongside other statues in the permanent exhibition.
He noted that since the exhibit began on June 18, the number of visitors to the museum has surged, with the highest attendance occurring on weekends and holidays.
“The number of local visitors, especially young people, is increasing dramatically. I do not have daily figures, but the number of visitors on weekends ranges from 800 to 1,500. On holidays, the number can exceed 2,000,” he said.
“In particular, I see youth coming to visit, take photos and video. It’s a positive sign for us,” he added.
Visoth noted that despite the rise in guests, they may not receive much information about Khmer cultural heritage due to the limited details provided for each artefact and the lack of a guide service unless requested in advance.
“We prepare only for advance bookings, and this practice is similar to that of museums around the world. If visitors want a guide, they can contact the museum in advance, such as through a [text] message, and the museum will arrange it. Without a reservation, we do not offer this service yet,” Visoth explained.
He mentioned that a few museums offer guided tours on specific days and times. For the National Museum, however, he said there are no such plans yet, but it is increasing the number of information plaques to help visitors understand the exhibits better.
“Currently, we are producing and installing information boards day by day, although it is still not enough,” he added.
