Gods of Angkor’ Moving to Los Angeles

Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Thursday, 10 February 2011

via CAAI

Photo: by Seoung Sophat

On the metro platform, in Washington DC, a billboard highlights the “Gods of Angkor” exhibit.

“This is a clear message to the world that in addition to beautiful temples and stone sculptures, we also have metal artworks of the same quality.”

An exhibit of ancient Cambodian bronze works has wrapped up in Washington and will now be moving to California.

The “Gods of Angkor,” showcased bronze masterworks from Cambodia’s National Museum to tens of thousands of museum visitors at the Smithsonian’s Sackler Gallery in the US capital.

The 36 items, most of which originally adorned the main temple of Angkor Wat and some dating back to prehistoric periods, will now move to the Getty Museum in Los Angles.

“This is a clear message to the world that in addition to beautiful temples and stone sculptures, we also have metal artworks of the same quality,” National Museum Director Oun Phallin told VOA Khmer in a recent interview at the Sackler Gallery.

The exhibit was done in collaboration between the Smithsonian and the National Museum, and Oun Phallin said more could be organized in the future to display Cambodia’s cultural heritage.