Preserving history at the National Museum of Art

Cambodia, having had its share of internal troubles from 1975-1979

, rose up again and strove ahead to build their nation as never before. To this end, the National Museum of Art played a vital role as it was the heart of traditional Cambodian lifestyle and religion. During the troubled period the museum unfortunately went into disrepair and neglect, with some artefacts being stolen and misplaced.

However through the intervention of the government, philanthropists, and private donors, the museum was once again restored to its original beauty in 1979.

Built in 1917, the National Museum of Art was designed by a renowned French architect. It was built along traditional Khmer design with rust red terra cotta roofing. The Khmer empire encompassing Thailand, Cambodia as it is today and Vietnam was a very vast and powerful one. The National Museum of Art is the only museum which carries an extensive range of historical and artistic works from this era.

There are close to 14,000 Khmer empire related items on display which include ethnographic items, bronzes, ceramics, sculptures and art. Additionally the museum contains many other archaeological and historical artefacts making it the country's main such museum.

Apart from this the museum is also important as a religious centre. It houses a massive collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and images. Among these is the ever famous Post-Angkorian era Buddha.

Whilst most items are permanent exhibits, the National Museum of Art also engages actively in lending some of its collection for international exhibitions. Through this and other preservation, promotion, conservation, presentation and acquisition activities, the Cambodian government hopes to inculcate healthy historical and cultural values in the museum's visitors.

If visitors seek a hotel Phnom Penh from which to base themselves to take in the many sights and attractions Cambodia offers them, then a 5 star hotel Phnom Penh such as the classically elegant Raffles Hotel Le Royal would prove an ideal choice.

Preserving history at the National Museum of Art

By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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