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The National Museum of Phnom Penh and UNESCO Office in Cambodia celebrate together International Museum Day (IMD) 2025, on May 18, associating provincial museums and other institutions.  This celebration highlights museums' role in cultural exchange, education, and inclusiveness, at national and global levels. UNESCO's 2015 Recommendation on Museums and Collections emphasizes museums as dynamic spaces that foster creativity, preserve heritage, and strengthen communities. This year’s IMD theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” challenges museums to adapt to societal changes, ensuring their relevance in an evolving world.

Cambodia hosts a diverse array of museums, displaying everything from ancient Khmer treasures, regional cultures to modern artwork, with the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh leading conservation and education initiatives. In 2024, the National Museum of Cambodia organized an exhibition on "Hol Pidan" to engage public interest on historical textiles, now being preserved and showcased to highlight Cambodia's rich cultural legacy.

Museums reconnect communities with their heritage, also through the return and repatriation of artifacts. The National Museum of Cambodia currently hosts an exhibition of returning artifacts from various countries. “The return of these statues confirms Cambodia’s commitment to find and bring back the souls of our ancestors, who left their homeland many years ago during times of war” stated H.E. Ms. Sackona PHOUERNG, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts.

As an active Member State of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, Cambodia has made significant strides in recovering valuable antiquities looted during decades of social unrest. Over 1,000 antiquities have been successfully repatriated since 1996. In July 2025, following intensive negotiations, Thailand announced the return of 20 looted artifacts to Cambodia, symbolizing growing trust and cooperation between the two nations.  The continuous efforts of museums in return and repatriation of artifacts mend the historical wounds of the Cambodian nation with each piece of lost-and-found antiquity. Reflecting the Khmer proverb, “When culture collapses, so does the nation,” museums preserve local cultural history, helping people stay connected to their roots in a fast-growing world.

“Museums are vital spaces for education, dialogue, and social inclusion. They strengthen the creative economy, promote cultural understanding, and help communities reconnect with their heritage. UNESCO appreciates Cambodia’s museum efforts in the promotion of cultural objects and outreach initiatives that highlight the value of cultural heritage.” Sardar Umar ALAM, UNESCO representative to Cambodia says.

Cambodia’s museum sector faces a crucial turning point, demanding broader representation beyond traditional heritage. “Museums serve as mirrors, reflecting the evolution of human society through time” said CHHAY Visoth, Director of the National Museum of Cambodia. To stay relevant, museums must go beyond traditional school visits and embrace interactive programmes that spark creativity.

“Engaging youth could transform museums into dynamic spaces that inspire future generations while preserving Cambodia’s rich heritage. This year’s IMD celebration therefore engages students from the Royal University of Fine Arts and other universities, under the guidance of leading Cambodian artists and professors, in the reflection on creative initiatives bringing museums and public spaces together’ says Nao HAYASHI, UNESCO’s Culture Programme Specialist.

Learn more about the 1970 UNESCO Convention: here 
Learn more about the 2015 UNESCO Recommendations on Museums and Society: here