Phnom Penh is one of Cambodia’s most fascinating cities for exploring history, art, and culture. Beyond its busy markets and riverside attractions, the capital has several excellent museums that tell the story of Cambodia’s ancient civilizations, modern history, and cultural heritage.
Whether you love Khmer art, want to understand Cambodia’s past, or enjoy interactive exhibitions, these are the best museums in Phnom Penh to include in your travel plans.
Best Museums in Phnom Penh at a Glance
| Museum | Best For | Foreign Adult Admission |
|---|---|---|
| National Museum of Cambodia | Khmer art and archaeology | US$10 |
| Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum | Khmer Rouge history and remembrance | US$5 |
| SOSORO Museum | Cambodian economic history | 20,000 KHR (US$5) |
Admission information was checked against official museum websites in October 2026. Prices and opening arrangements may change.
1. National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum of Cambodia is one of Phnom Penh’s essential cultural attractions. Located near the Royal Palace, it houses an outstanding collection of Khmer sculptures, ceramics, and historical objects.
Its collections span Cambodia’s prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and post-Angkorian periods. Visitors can admire remarkable stone and bronze sculptures while learning about the artistic and religious traditions of the Khmer civilization.
The museum building is also impressive. Inaugurated in 1920, its distinctive Khmer-inspired architecture surrounds a peaceful courtyard garden.
Visitor Information
- Location: Street 13, near the Royal Palace
- Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Last admission: 4:30 PM
- Foreign adult admission: US$10
- Suggested visit: 1–2 hours
Travel tip: Combine your museum visit with the Royal Palace area and a walk along the nearby riverside. Photography is not permitted inside the museum galleries, although visitors may photograph the exterior and courtyard.
2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is an important place of remembrance and historical education in Phnom Penh.
During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), this former school became Security Prison 21, commonly known as S-21. Today, the museum preserves evidence of the detention center and shares the experiences of people who suffered under the regime.
Exhibitions include historical photographs, documents, preserved rooms, and personal testimonies. Visitors can use an audio guide or engage a museum guide to better understand this difficult chapter of Cambodian history.
The experience can be emotionally challenging. Visitors should approach the site with sensitivity and respect.
Visitor Information
- Location: Street 113, Boeung Keng Kang III
- Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Foreign adult admission: US$5
- Foreign visitor audio guide: US$5 additional
- Suggested visit: 1.5–2 hours
Important: The museum advises that its exhibits may be unsuitable for visitors aged 14 and younger. Dress respectfully, remain quiet, and follow museum photography rules.
3. SOSORO Museum – Museum of Economy and Money
The SOSORO Museum, officially the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money, offers a different perspective on Cambodian history.
Established by the National Bank of Cambodia, the museum explores approximately 2,000 years of the country’s monetary and economic history, from early kingdoms to modern Cambodia.
Its exhibitions combine historical objects, coins, multimedia displays, interactive games, and educational presentations. Rather than focusing only on currency, SOSORO explains how trade, politics, and economics have shaped Cambodia.
The museum occupies a restored historic building and includes a garden and café.
Visitor Information
- Location: Preah Moha Ksatreiyani Kossamak Avenue (Street 106), Wat Phnom area
- Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Foreign visitor admission: 20,000 KHR​​ (US$5)
- With audio guide: 32,000 KHR (US$8)
- Suggested visit: 1–2 hours
Travel tip: SOSORO is a particularly good option for visitors who enjoy interactive learning. Its official website also describes accessibility facilities, including ramps and elevators.
Other Cultural and Historical Places Worth Visiting
Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center
The Bophana Center is not a conventional museum, but it is an important institution for preserving Cambodian films, photographs, sound recordings, and audiovisual heritage.
Located at 64 Street 200, it offers public access to archival materials and organizes cultural activities. Check its schedule before visiting, particularly if you are interested in exhibitions or screenings.
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
Located south of central Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek is a memorial site associated with the Khmer Rouge regime. It commemorates victims killed at the site, including prisoners transferred from S-21.
Choeung Ek is a place of mourning rather than a conventional museum. Visitors interested in Cambodia’s recent history may choose to visit it alongside Tuol Sleng, allowing sufficient time for reflection.
How to Visit Phnom Penh’s Museums
Most central museums are accessible by tuk-tuk or taxi. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and PassApp can be convenient for getting between locations.
For a manageable day of cultural exploration, consider this itinerary:
- Morning: Explore the National Museum of Cambodia.
- Late morning: Visit SOSORO Museum and take a lunch break.
- Afternoon: Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, allowing time for reflection afterward.
For a slower experience, spread these visits across two days. Remember that SOSORO is normally closed on Mondays.
Tips for Visiting Museums in Phnom Penh
- Check official opening hours and admission prices before traveling.
- Carry Cambodian riel or suitable US dollar cash for ticket purchases.
- Respect photography restrictions and displayed museum rules.
- Wear modest clothing at genocide memorials and religious sites.
- Consider guided tours or audio guides for historical context.
- Allow extra time for emotionally sensitive exhibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best museum in Phnom Penh?
The National Museum of Cambodia is an excellent choice for first-time visitors interested in Khmer art, archaeology, and cultural history.
2. Which museum explains the Khmer Rouge period?
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum preserves the history of S-21 and provides important information about victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
3. Are museums in Phnom Penh expensive?
Many are reasonably priced. Officially listed foreign adult admission is US$10 at the National Museum, US$5 at Tuol Sleng, and 20,000 KHR at SOSORO.
4. Can I visit several museums in one day?
Yes. Visiting the National Museum, SOSORO, and Tuol Sleng in one day is possible, although two days allow a more relaxed experience.
5. Are Phnom Penh museums suitable for children?
The National Museum and SOSORO can be educational for families. Tuol Sleng contains distressing historical material and may not be suitable for younger children.
6. Which museum has interactive exhibitions?
SOSORO Museum is particularly well suited to visitors who enjoy multimedia exhibits, interactive learning, and educational activities.
7. Can I take photographs inside the museums?
Rules vary. The National Museum prohibits photography inside its galleries. Always check individual museum restrictions before taking photographs.
8. What is the best time to visit?
Morning visits are often convenient, especially when combining museums with outdoor attractions. Indoor museums can also be useful stops during Phnom Penh’s hotter or rainier periods.
Sources and References
- National Museum of Cambodia – Official Admission Information
- National Museum of Cambodia – Collections and Heritage
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – Official Visitor Information
- SOSORO Museum – Official Website
- Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center
- Cambodia Ministry of Tourism – Choeung Ek Memorial
Final Thoughts
Visiting the best museums in Phnom Penh offers a deeper understanding of Cambodia beyond its famous temples and landmarks. From the artistic treasures of the National Museum to the historical lessons of Tuol Sleng and the interactive displays at SOSORO, each museum reveals a different part of the country’s story.
Planning a trip to Cambodia’s capital? Explore more destination guides, cultural attractions, and practical travel tips on GoToKH.com to make the most of your Phnom Penh experience.
