Culture and Heritage of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Tangible Cultural Heritage

Cambodia’s culture and heritage reflect centuries of artistic achievement, historical depth, and community traditions that continue to define national identity. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts safeguards and promotes both tangible and intangible heritage, encompassing archaeological sites, architectural monuments, performing arts, traditional crafts, and living cultural expressions that connect generations.

Archaeology & Conservation

Programs and initiatives to excavate, safeguard, and restore archaeological remains of historical significance.

Antiquities

Identification, protection, and registration of objects of historical value.

Architecture

Conservation of historic buildings, traditional dwellings, and landmark structures.

Museums

Management and development of museum spaces that preserve and interpret Cambodia’s cultural legacy.

Monuments & Archaeological Heritage

Cambodia’s tangible heritage includes iconic temples, historic monuments, and archaeological sites that reflect centuries of artistic, religious, and architectural achievement, forming the foundation of the nation’s cultural identity.

Living Traditions & Intangible Heritage

Intangible cultural heritage encompasses traditional dance, music, rituals, craftsmanship, oral traditions, and social practices that continue to be transmitted across generations and practiced throughout the country.

Safeguarding & Transmission

Through documentation, education, community engagement, and international cooperation, Cambodia actively safeguards both tangible and intangible heritage to ensure their continuity, relevance, and sustainable transmission to future generations.

Inangible Cultural Heritage

Intangible cultural heritage consists of living expressions — such as rituals, performing arts, music, storytelling, and craftsmanship — that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity.

Stage Arts & Performances

Traditional theater, dance forms, and performance arts that preserve communal memory and artistic practices.

Films Industry

Support for Cambodian cinema as both cultural expression and creative industry.

Book Industry

Promotion of Cambodian literature and documentation of cultural knowledge.

Cultural Industry

Creative sectors that sustain cultural production, including crafts, design, and heritage-based entrepreneurship.