Two Thousand Years of Cambodian History, Now Fit for a Bookshelf

SOSORO Museum and SIPAR join forces to make Cambodia's economic and monetary history accessible to all.

The three editions — Khmer, English and French — of the new book published by SOSORO Museum and SIPAR

On July 9, the garden of the SOSORO Museum in Phnom Penh hosted the launch of a brand-new book: "A Stroll through the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money." The result of a collaboration between the museum and SIPAR, a leading Cambodian institution in educational publishing, the illustrated book condenses twenty centuries of the Kingdom's monetary, economic and political history into a few dozen pages.

A formal evening in the museum garden

The official launch ceremony took place in the leafy garden of the SOSORO Museum, housed in Phnom Penh's former town hall. Representatives from Cambodia's cultural and educational sectors, institutional partners and guests gathered to discover this new outreach tool, conceived both as a companion to a museum visit and as a stand-alone gateway into the Kingdom's historical heritage.

A book designed for every reader

Available in Khmer, English and French, the book traces the major chapters of Cambodia's economic history, from the thriving trade of ancient Funan to colonial-era reforms and the emergence of the modern financial system, by way of the barter economy of the Angkorian period. Written in a deliberately accessible style and richly illustrated, it mirrors the twelve modules of the museum's permanent exhibition, offering readers of all ages a clear synthesis of the forces that have shaped the country over the centuries.

Far from a simple catalogue, the book is meant as a travel companion for visitors: each chapter revisits highlights of the museum's exhibition — ancient coins, Banque de l'Indochine banknotes, royal busts and a historic screw press — allowing readers to continue at home the journey they began in the galleries.

A spread devoted to the Banque de l'Indochine and its piastre banknotes, one of the periods covered by the book

SOSORO and SIPAR: historical research meets educational publishing

This publication is the outcome of a close partnership between the SOSORO Museum, exclusively funded by the National Bank of Cambodia, and SIPAR, a long-standing organisation dedicated to promoting reading and access to knowledge in Cambodia. By combining SIPAR's expertise in educational publishing with the museum's historical research and collections, the two institutions set out to make complex historical subjects more engaging and easier to grasp for the general public.

"At SOSORO Museum, one of our core missions is to make Cambodia's history accessible to everyone," said Blaise Kilian, co-director of the museum, at the launch. "We are pleased to partner with SIPAR on this publication, which offers a clear, easy-to-read overview of our permanent exhibition and allows readers from all backgrounds to discover the richness of Cambodia's history."

For his part, Hok Sothik, director-general of SIPAR, welcomed a project that fits squarely within his organisation's mission: "SIPAR is proud to partner with SOSORO in publishing this book, a simple yet valuable educational resource for young Cambodian and international visitors alike."

The SOSORO Museum team presents the first copies of the book during the launch evening

A cultural gesture with staying power

Open to the public since 2019 in Phnom Penh's former town hall, the SOSORO Museum — named in honour of King Içanavarman, ruler of Chenla in the 7th century — has established itself as one of the capital's most dynamic cultural venues, steadily expanding its partnerships with schools, universities and associations to reach ever wider audiences. The release of this illustrated book continues that trajectory, offering everyone, regardless of age or language, a simple key to understanding how money, trade and politics have shaped Cambodian identity over two millennia.

Where to find the book

"A Stroll through the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money," available in Khmer, English and French, is now on sale at the SOSORO Museum gift shop and through SIPAR.