By:
• Torn Chanritheara

• September 27, 2024 , 11:55 AM

PHNOM PENH – A immersive museum on Angkor will be open for tourism next year, the first museum of its kind in Siem Reap.

It aims to bring the history of Angkor’s temples to visitors using scans to recreate their evolution and cutting-edge technology to create a unique cultural experience that brings Angkor’s history to life.

The museum is part of project “Immersive Angkor Museum”, a collaboration between The APSARA National Authority  and local company Immersive Angkor.

According to a memorandum of understanding signed on September 26, the project is to increase Angkor’s global visibility, promote tourism and support heritage preservation.

The APSARA Authority  will provide scientific guidance to ensure historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity, while Immersive Angkor will develop and manage the museum in a new 2,000-square-meter facility and will welcome up to 1,500 visitors per day. 

The immersive hall will span 1,000 square meters, featuring 8-meter-high walls projecting a three-dimensional image surrounding visitors. 

Soreasmey Ke Bin, CEO of Immersive Angkor, said the memorandum of understanding was an important milestone, towards implementation and that content development was progressing well. 

“We aim to open the museum by late 2025,” he said.

APSARA Authority director-general Hang Peou said the partnership aligns with the authority’s mission to preserve and promote the Angkor Archaeological Park. 

“Working with Immersive Angkor allows us to enhance visitor experiences and contribute to digital preservation efforts, further solidifying Angkor’s status as a global cultural icon,” he said.

Soreasmey said that this collaboration is pivotal for sharing Angkor’s history through new technology. The museum would offer a journey through time, deepening visitors’ understanding of Cambodia’s cultural heritage while ensuring the preservation of its legacy.

Under the guidance of the authority, the company will conduct 3D scans of Angkor monuments and the data will be shared with the authority.

Siem Reap has several museums, including the Angkor National Museum and Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum. Visitors wishing to learn about Cambodia’s war legacy also visit the Cambodia Mines Museum or War Museum.