PHNOM PENH: The Preah Srey Icanavarman Museum of Economy and Money, also known as SOSORO, is holding a temporary exhibition until the end of April on King Sisowath’s visit to France in 1906. The main museum also presents a global overview of Cambodia’s history over the last 2,000 years with an additional economic and monetary angle.
SOSORO is a hidden gem located on Street 106 in a heritage building that was once a municipality building in 1908, near the century-old Central Post Office in Phnom Penh. The museum is holding a temporary exhibition until the end of April on King Sisowath’s visit to France in the early 1900s.
EAC News had a chance to speak with Blaise Kilian, the Co-Director of the SOSORO Museum about the special temporary exhibition. He explained the journey of King Sisowath’s visit to France in 1906 and how well loved he was in France.
“It was a very important event in Cambodian history for political and diplomatic reasons, it was also the first time the Cambodian King would travel all the way to the West," he said. “It had lasting consequences because, due to his personality, diplomatic skills and his overall appearance, the King became an instant icon in France; every French newspaper would cover all of his activities.”
The museum's main building is where SOSORO hosts its contemporary and interactive exhibits, including numerous touchscreens, audiovisual programs and games that visitors can play to test what they have learned.
“This museum has two specificities, the first one is that it takes an historical approach on what is being presented here," said Kilian. "It’s probably the only place in the country where you have a whole overview of over 2,000 years of Cambodian history from the time of Funan all the way to [the present day].”
“The second characteristic is this very modern and interactive museum you will see as you walk through the museum. There are a lot of videos, podcasts, touchscreens, computers, quizzes, puzzles and games for visitors to discover knowledge themselves.”
Kilian particularly pointed out a gold coin on exhibit that weighs a little less than six grams and is the oldest coin minted by a Khmer king found until now, with its coin press also featured in the museum’s garden.
He also went through one of the digital presentations in the museum, showcasing the relationship between currency and national identity.
“We even made a video to show the portrait of the King that is displayed on the banknote, [which] is actually chosen from a significant royal activity of His Majesty," said Kilian. "You see, every year, on the ninth of November, His Majesty goes to the Independence Monument to pay respects and celebrate [the country’s] independence, and the very moment when he looked up at the Independence Monument is displayed on the banknote.”
SOSORO has been designed to provide a unique perspective on Cambodia’s history, offering a sharper grasp on the constant interaction between money, economy and politics.
Tickets to the museum are 2,000 riel (US $0.5) for children and students of all nationalities, 4,000 riel (US $1) for Cambodian nationals, and 20,000 riel (US $5) for foreigners.
Meanwhile, admissions are free for the temporary exhibit on King Sisowath’s trip to France, which will be featured in the museum until the end of April.
Stay tuned for the full interview with SOSORO Museum Co-Director, Blaise Kilian, out soon on EAC News.
For more information check out the museum’s website https://sosoro.nbc.org.kh.
