SOSORO - Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum

Want to discover how life has changed over 2,000 years in one of Southeast Asia’s most enigmatic countries? The SOSORO Museum — Preah Srey Içanavarman offers a unique journey through the centuries. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, this modern high-tech center is dedicated to the economic and monetary history of Cambodia from ancient times to the present day.

SOSORO – Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum occupies a beautifully restored building from the early 20th century, which once served as the mayor's residence during the French Protectorate. The name SOSORO is a Khmer abbreviation for the Museum of Economy and Money. The exhibition is divided into 12 modules, covering everything from the trade networks of the ancient state of Funan and the barter system of the Angkor era to colonial reforms and the modern financial system.

This isn't just a collection of dusty display cases; SOSORO is considered one of the most interactive museums in the region. It features modern multimedia panels, touchscreens, and gaming elements that make complex economic processes understandable and engaging for every visitor.

For more details before your visit or to book a group tour, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to visit SOSORO is the chance to see extremely rare artifacts that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Be sure to find the 7th-century gold coin of King Isanavarman — a tiny but priceless witness to the birth of statehood. For tech enthusiasts, the halls are equipped with large digital screens that allow you to examine the security features of modern banknotes in detail and even try "creating" your own currency through interactive games.

For full immersion, it is recommended to use the audio guide, available in several languages. This turns the tour into a real audio performance about the trade caravans of the past and the economic shifts of modern times. Families with children will especially enjoy the play zones, where teenagers can learn in a fun way how banks work and why money is important to society.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum often hosts temporary exhibitions. For example, until early 2026, you can see the "Into the Light" project, dedicated to the unique murals of the Silver Pagoda. After the tour, stop by the cozy museum cafe or the souvenir shop, which sells high-quality replicas of historical coins and books on art history.

The SOSORO Museum is located in the heart of the historic Daun Penh district, at the intersection of Street 106 and Preah Moha Ksatreiyani Kossamak Avenue. This location is perfect for those who like to combine cultural activities with pleasant walks: the famous Wat Phnom temple, the old Post Office building, and the picturesque riverside are all nearby.

The easiest way to reach the museum from anywhere in the city is by tuk-tuk or taxi using popular mobile apps — a trip from the center takes no more than 5–10 minutes, and from the international airport, it takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. If you are already exploring the colonial center of Phnom Penh, it is just a pleasant 10-minute walk from the riverside or the Night Market.

The building that houses the exhibition today is a valuable historical monument from the French Protectorate era. Built in 1908 as the mayor's residence, it later served as the Phnom Penh municipality. By the beginning of the 21st century, the building had fallen into disrepair, but a large-scale restoration began in 2012, preserving its original architectural appearance for future generations.

The museum is named after King Içanavarman (Preah Srey Içanavarman), who ruled the state of Chenla in the early 7th century. The choice of name was not accidental: in 2012, a unique gold coin from that period was accidentally discovered at the "Russian Market" in Phnom Penh. It is engraved with the king's name and the name of his capital — Isanapura. This find changed scholars' understanding of the region's early monetary system and became the centerpiece of the collection.

SOSORO officially opened in 2019 under the auspices of the National Bank of Cambodia. The museum's creators set an ambitious goal: to show how politics, social changes, and economics have intertwined over two millennia to shape the country's modern identity.

To leisurely explore all 12 thematic modules and engage with the multimedia content, most visitors need 1.5 to 3 hours. If you plan to study every information board in detail or use the audio guide, it is better to set aside a bit more time for your visit.

Thanks to a well-designed edutainment system, time passes quickly here for both adults and children. The museum is fully air-conditioned, making it an excellent place for relaxation and intellectual enrichment during the hottest hours of the Cambodian day.

The SOSORO Museum is ready to welcome guests from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday is the official day off.

Opening Hours: 09:00 to 18:00. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the museum's official website before visiting to confirm the latest information regarding Cambodian public holidays.

The museum's location in the historic center makes it easy to continue exploring the city and its entertainment venues. A walk through the surrounding area will show you different sides of Phnom Penh — from colonial grandeur to modern amusement parks.