The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease, from the 10th or 11th century, was repatriated on July 4 from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. - The Phnom Penh Post
PHNOM PENH: The number of visitors to the National Museum of Cambodia has recently seen a dramatic increase after the museum put Khmer artefacts returned from abroad on display.
The national museum showcases thousands of Cambodian treasures. The total collection, including many items held in reserve, continues to grow each year as the Kingdom steadily recovers antiques that were looted and traded abroad.
According to museum director Chhay Visoth, a batch of 14 was returned from the US on July 3, with a receiving ceremony held on July 4.
He said these newly recovered items will not be displayed to the public immediately, as more pieces are expected to arrive in the coming months, and Prime Minister Hun Manet will preside over an official receiving ceremony.
He noted that 99 sculptures, returned in previous years, are currently on display until December 18, alongside other statues in the permanent exhibition.
Visoth 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.
Admission to the museum is 500 riel (US$0.12) for Cambodian adults and free for those under 18. For foreign visitors aged 10 to 17, tickets cost US$5, while adults aged 18 and over are charged US$10. – The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
