Phnom Penh: A senior team from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) has conducted a seven-day field study in Cambodia in early April 2025, according to a press release of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued today.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the team, comprised of experts in collection management, exhibitions, provenance research, and curation, visited under the framework of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the Smithsonian Institution. This visit represents a significant step forward in implementing the shared objectives outlined in the MoU, which aims to promote cultural exchange, deepen understanding of Cambodian art and heritage, and strengthen the professional capacity of museum personnel. The collaboration places particular emphasis on provenance research, combating illicit trafficking, and the repatriation of cultural heritage.
This ongoing partnership builds upon Cambodia's successful decade-long restitution campaign, which has resulted in the return of hundreds of cultural artifacts from institutions and private collectors around the world, including from the United States. A key objective of the Smithsonian delegation's visit was to advance planning for a landmark exhibition on the ancient royal city of Koh Ker, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2023). The exhibition is scheduled to launch in Cambodia in 2030 and in Washington, D.C. at the NMAA in 2031.
During their visit, the delegation toured leading museums in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and visited significant archaeological sites. They also engaged in meetings with experts from the Ministry, the National Museum of Cambodia, the Sambor Prei Kuk National Authority, APSARA National Authority, the National Authority for Preah Vihear, and Edenbridge Asia.
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, expressed strong support for the partnership. 'We welcome this sincere and expert collaboration between our two countries and are honoured to work alongside the Smithsonian Institution, a global leader in the museum world. We deeply appreciate the efforts of all involved, particularly the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, our ministry's dedicated team of archaeologists, art historians, and researchers,' stated the minister.
H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona also extended special thanks to Bradley J. Gordon and Edenbridge Asia, acknowledging their vital role in supporting the return of Khmer cultural treasures and initiating this latest collaboration. 'We recognise the beauty and brilliance of Koh Ker and are excited to begin work on a world-class exhibition that will highlight the significance of this ancient royal city. This is a unique opportunity to share our cultural heritage with the world and generate renewed interest in Cambodia's rich and captivating history,' said H.E. Minister.