Battambang Province : Provincial History Museum

Battambang Museum is one of the ancient buildings in Battambang province. The museum was built and opened to the public in 1968 under the patronage of King Rattanakosin. However, from 1975 to 1979, the old museum was used as a prison for prisoners. This is according to documents from the Battambang Provincial Tourism Department. According to the same document, Battambang Provincial Museum was partially renovated from the war-damaged building by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in 1997. Until 2009, the government created additional exhibition rooms. In 2015, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in cooperation with the Khmer Cultural Friends Organization, organized exhibitions at the museum again. Currently, Battambang Museum has become a tourist destination that combines history and culture as well as the identity of Battambang province. The potential that attracts international tourists to Battambang Museum is the ancient Khmer architecture, ancient sculptures, antiques, and art galleries in the museum. The museum also provides services to take national and international visitors to visit the buildings and antiques. Katha Thon Chhum is a member of the Bien family (House of Abai Vong), which has ruled Battambang province for six generations. After the return of Battambang to Cambodia through the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907, the building served as the provincial headquarters for Battambang until 2005. Currently, this heritage building is the Battambang History Museum, where visitors can appreciate the historic building and learn about ancient musical instruments, the history of Battambang governors, and paintings by famous artists who were born in Battambang province. It is open to both national and international tourists. .The entrance fee is only 1,000 riels for Cambodians. .The entrance fee is only 12,000 riels for foreigners.