The SOSORO Museum in Phnom Penh is one of Cambodia’s most innovative museums, blending two thousand years of history with interactive technology and thoughtful storytelling. Officially named the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money, it turns what sounds like a dry topic—currency and economic policy—into a vivid journey through the rise, collapse, and rebirth of the Khmer kingdoms and the modern Cambodian state. For travelers who enjoy culture, design, and context rather than just “photo spots”, SOSORO is an essential stop.
- The museum recounts nearly 2,000 years of Cambodian history, from the early Funan trading networks through Angkor, the French Protectorate, the Khmer Rouge era and today, using money as a lens on politics and society.
- It was established and financed by the National Bank of Cambodia, with a mission to improve public understanding of how economic decisions shape everyday life.
Money becomes a narrative device: coins, banknotes and barter systems are presented not as numismatic curiosities but as clues to shifting power, trade routes and ideology. Visitors leave with a much clearer idea of why Cambodia’s recent past—civil war, inflation, reconstruction—still shapes the country’s present.
Building and Exhibition Design
- SOSORO occupies a restored French protectorate–style building in the historic colonial district near Wat Phnom, a former town hall residence (1908) and later Phnom Penh municipality offices.
- Inside, a state‑of‑the‑art scenography combines original artifacts, digital screens, films, games and atmospheric lighting, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
The permanent exhibition is divided into thematic modules that carry you chronologically: ancient trade and early coinage, Angkorian barter and temple economy, colonial fiscal reforms, the abolition of money under the Khmer Rouge, and the reintroduction of currency and banking in the 1980s and 1990s. Clear bilingual signage, well‑produced video content and a carefully curated soundtrack prevent information overload while still rewarding detail‑oriented visitors.
A presentation of SOSORO Museum with AmCham:
Visitor Experience and Practical Tips
- Expect to spend around 90 minutes to 3 hours if you read panels, watch videos and try the interactive modules.
- An audio guide is available in multiple languages for a small extra fee (around 3 USD), offering deeper explanations and stories behind key objects.
Families and school groups are well catered for: there are games, quizzes and touch screens, plus dedicated spaces for children and teenagers that turn economic concepts into playful challenges. Photography is not allowed inside the galleries. Onsite facilities typically include a small garden, a free‑access library and a café or tea corner. There is also a small book/gift shop.
Temporary Exhibitions and Events
- Beyond the permanent exhibition, SOSORO regularly hosts temporary shows that extend its focus from economics into broader cultural heritage.
- Recent programming includes “Into the Light,” a major exhibition about long‑lost murals of Phnom Penh’s Silver Pagoda, combining glass‑plate negatives, digital projections and interpretive material for students and scholars alike, available until early February 2026.
Talks, conferences and special events link Cambodia’s past to present‑day topics such as financial inclusion, digital payments and regional trade. This makes SOSORO particularly interesting for researchers, journalists and policy‑minded travelers who want to understand how history informs current development debates.
Tickets, Access and Contact Details
- Standard entry for foreign visitors is 20 000 riels (around 5 USD), with reduced rates for Cambodian citizens, students and children.
- The museum’s location in Daun Penh district, close to Wat Phnom and the old post office, makes it easy to combine with a walking tour of the historic riverside and colonial architecture.
Address
Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO)
#16, 106 Preah Moha Ksatreiyani Kossamak Avenue (Street 106),
Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh 12202, Cambodia.
Official website
https://sosoro.nbc.org.kh
Opening hours
Checking the museum’s website or social media before your visit is recommended, as hours or temporary exhibitions can change due to special events or public holidays. The museum is closed during Cambodia’s public holidays.
