AKP Phnom Penh, June 29, 2026 --

Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, Cambodia’s First Lady, officially inaugurated the Preah Vihear Atthaross Museum on Monday, marking a transformative moment for the nation’s cultural preservation efforts.

Located at the Phnom Preah Reach Troap (Oudong Mountain) resort in Kandal province, the newly restored sanctuary now stands as a state-of-the-art museum, fully open to the public. The structure, measuring 39.2 metres long, 22.3 metres wide, and 23.6 metres high, bridges two great eras of Cambodian history: originally built in the 17th century during the Oudong period, it rests atop the foundations of an 11th-century Angkorian temple in the Khleang style. Its name derives from the colossal indoor Buddha statue—18 cubits (16.79 metres including pedestal)—traditionally known in Khmer as "Atthaross."

Decades of civil war had left the sanctuary severely damaged, with only piecemeal repairs attempted over the years. Recognising its urgent cultural significance, the Royal Government placed the comprehensive restoration under the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. The completed project elevates the site into a world-class museum and a central hub for safeguarding Cambodia’s heritage.

Visitors can now explore a rich collection of sacred artifacts, including Buddha statues, celestial devas, and religious objects recovered from the stupas of Kings Ang Eng and Ang Satha, alongside rare antiquities from the Oudong era. The opening signals a renewed commitment to celebrating and preserving the Lingdom’s civilised legacy for future generations.

By K. Rithy Reak