Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum - SOSORO

Thmey Thmey tours the SOSORO Museum's permanent exhibition recollecting 2,000 years of Cambodia's history from a monetary and economy perspective. Along with insights from the head of the Collection Department, Mr. Huy Hongry, Thmey Thmey witnesses the clever mix of ancient treasures and modern technology displayed at SOSORO. This unique experience, where modernity meets history, narrates the key moments in the kingdom's odyssey: from the Funan era to the Angkor empire, the achievements of King Norodom Sihanouk after the Independence in 1953, the causes of the Khmer Rouge tragedy, and the rebuilding of the nation after the Paris Peace Accords in 1991 and the end of the civil war in 1998.

On December 10, 2024, an appreciation ceremony was organized at the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO). A certificate of acknowledgement from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) was handed over by Mr. Blaise Kilian, Co-Director of the SOSORO Museum, to Mrs. Sok Channda, CEO of MekongNet, in recognition of MekongNet's commitment to sponsor public schools students’ visits to the museum. Through this mechanism, MekongNet helps to promote the understanding of Cambodia's economic and monetary history, as well as to improve educational experiences of Cambodian youth, highlighting its corporate social responsibility efforts.

Mr. Blaise Kilian, co-director of SOSORO, discusses the purpose behind the museum’s second temporary exhibition. The exhibit explores how Cambodian society has evolved over time, as reflected through pagoda paintings. These stunning murals not only showcase the skill and creativity of local artists but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Cambodians, and the impact of technological, cultural, political, and social transformations of Cambodia during this period. The exhibition is based on extensive research and photography by Danielle and Dominique Guéret. Sharing their passion for Cambodian art, they explain how the emotional depth and creativity of local artists inspired them to document and preserve this heritage. They also highlight the evolution of these paintings across different historical periods.

On November 12, 2024, Her Excellency Mrs. Puan Zuraini Khalil, spouse of the Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia, His Excellency Mr. Onn Shaharuddin, visited the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO) along with a delegation from the embassy. On that occasion, Her Excellency showed particular interest in all the interactive displays dedicated to Cambodia’s monetary history, as well as in the ancient coins and banknotes showcases. The delegation also toured the “Wonder Art Exhibition” hosted at SOSORO, and participated in a workshop with students from the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) held in the serene garden of the SOSORO Museum. This enriching session provided an opportunity to share painting techniques, allowing the delegation to refine their skills.

Everyone is Welcome at the SOSORO Museum! With features like inclined ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms, the SOSORO Museum ensures a seamless and comfortable experience for every visitor. Come and explore with ease! #SOSOROMuseum #SOSORO #សសរ #សារមន្ទីរសសរ

Two millennia of Cambodia's fascinating history - from the Funan era to the present day, through the Angkorian Empire and the Cold War - are exhibited at the Museum of Economy and Money of Phnom Penh in a contemporary museography combining modern displays with ancient artifacts. Located in a green oasis of the former colonial district, SOSORO is suitable for visitors of all ages as it provides both in-depth knowledge about the country's monetary history and edutainment technologies. The museum aims to demonstrate the very close interconnection that exists between political changes, social changes, geopolitics, economics and monetary developments throughout time. Cambodia's history from this perspective is indeed peculiar and exciting: sometimes minting its own currency, sometimes using the currency of others, sometimes using no currency, sometimes sharing the same currency as its neighbors.

On December 9, 2024, the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO) hosted a donation ceremony presided over by His Excellency Mr. Jacques Pellet, Ambassador of France to Cambodia, and Her Excellency Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia. On this occasion, French Ambassador Mr. Jacques Pellet officially donated to the SOSORO Museum a historically significant photograph taken 50 years ago by renowned French photojournalist Christine Spengler. This photograph, capturing the aftermath of a Khmer Rouge bombing on the outskirts of Phnom Penh in 1974, stands as a testament to Cambodia’s resilience through its challenging history. This remarkable piece is now on display, among others, in the SOSORO Museum’s temporary exhibition hall as part of the 15th edition of the Photo Phnom Penh Festival. Don't miss the chance to witness this compelling work, which will be available for viewing until December 28, 2024. Christine Spengler’s photography is renowned worldwide for its profound human storytelling. Throughout her career, she has focused on resilience and survival in conflict zones, avoiding sensationalism. 🗓 Exhibition dates: Now until December 28, 2024 #SOSOROMuseum #PhotoPhnomPenhFestival #ChristineSpengler #CambodiaHistory

Her excellency Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, shares knowledge about the history of the Khmer riel with Thmey Thmey, as part of a dissemination program initiated with the Association of Banks in Cambodia. The National Bank of Cambodia established the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO) to raise awareness about the history and the importance of the national currency.

On December 5, 2024, Her Excellency Mrs. Vandala Siphandone, spouse of His Excellency Dr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, visited the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO). On that occasion, Her Excellency expressed great interest in the history of 2,000 years of Cambodia's monetary journey and the role of its currency in contributing to the development of the nation.

RFI Khmer visits the SOSORO Museum's permanent exhibition and its numerous interactive and modern displays recollecting 2,000 years of Cambodia's fascinating monetary history.