Angkor National Museum

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Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum is an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts, also to provides information and education about art and culture of Khmer civilization, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire’s Angkor period circa 9th to 14th-century. The museum is located in Vithei Charles de Gaulle No. 968, Siem Reap, Cambodia, on the way between downtown Siem Reap to northern road leading to Angkor ancient city. Cambodia travel packages

Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum

Opened in 2007, the Angkor National Museum houses artifacts from the ‘Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom’ spanning art, culture and architecture. By focusing on King Jayavarman VII who is credited to have been responsible for the zenith of the Khmer Expire; the exhibition uses innovative means to disseminate knowledge about the importance of the Angkor site – as a manifestation of King Jayavarman VII’s long-lasting power and influence. Tours Indochina Cambodia

Angkor National Museum will take its visitors through the journey back in time from the creation to the highest point of Khmer civilization. Through the use of interactive exhibits, visitors will develop a deeper understanding of customs, traditions and different beliefs of the ancient empire. A tour of the museum will be joyful for both visitors who have a good understanding of ancient Khmer civilization and visitors who do not have any previous knowledge of the ancient Khmer empire.

Angkorian artifacts

Angkorian artifacts

While the exterior of the museum is a slight eyesore, the interior is stunning. A spiral staircase brings you to the main galleries and also served as the lift for heavy stone artifacts that otherwise would not have made it to the second floor, while a reflecting pool used in official water ceremonies is a calming presence. As a design geek, the museum design and the display design are on par with any world class museum.

The Museum houses 8 galleries, all of which combine to give an impressive array of artifacts which date back to the earliest civilizations of Angkor. Remnants from the great temples themselves, statues as well as artifacts which depict scenes in history concerning war, religion, and all manner of social customs throughout the evolution of the unique Khmer civilization can be found.

Gallery 1: 1,000 Buddha Images. This is the only gallery, just one large room, rather than a series of maze-like alcoves, and the sight of all these Buddhas at once is striking. Gallery 2: Pre-Angkor Period: Khmer Civilization. Gallery 3: Religion and Beliefs. This room explains several of the most significant Hindu and Buddhist religious stories and folk tales depicted on Angkorian temples, including the most memorable Churning of the Sea of Milk carved into the rear wall at Angkor Wat. Gallery 4: The Great Khmer Kings. Gallery 5: Angkor Wat. There’s a large film gallery inside this section of the museum. It features beautiful, panoramic images of the temple and explanations of how it was constructed.  Gallery 6: Angkor Thom. Gallery 7: Story From Stones. Gallery 8: Ancient Costume.

Stunning interior

Stunning interior

This museum is a useful stop-over en route to the temples, so visitors can gain some perspective on the centuries of history, rich symbolism, and other stories that often remain hidden when viewing the Angkor temples without a guide. The museum uses multimedia displays and various artifacts to evoke the golden age of Khmer culture.

Description: The Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap is an absolute must and one of the most interesting of all the Siem Reap attractions, particularly for any archaeological enthusiasts or those with a special interest in the Angkor Temples.

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