Asian Traditional Textiles Museum Exhibits Royal Attire of Kings and Queens Across Five Historical Eras

The Asian Traditional Textiles Museum has organized a special exhibition displaying the royal coronation and reign attire of monarchs and queens across five historical eras for public viewing and educational study.

Mr. Sen Kimsun, manager at the Asian Traditional Textiles Museum, specified that the featured eras include Funan, Chenla, Angkor, Chaktomuk, and Longvek, alongside the legendary wedding attire of Preah Thong and Neang Neak. He explained that these costumes were meticulously crafted based on statues and temple carvings found in museums and heritage sites both domestically and internationally, following extensive study and time-consuming craftsmanship. The primary objective is to allow the public to view physical, tangible recreations of royal attire previously seen only on ancient stone sculptures. The APSARA National Authority official added that slight variations may exist, as recreating from sculptures naturally depends on reference imagery and available tailoring materials.

This temporary three-month exhibition organized by the Asian Traditional Textiles Museum runs from August 19 through the end of November 2026. National and international tourists, as well as the general public, are invited to visit and explore the displays, marking the museum’s first-ever project specifically dedicated to the royal attire of kings and queens across five eras.

Ms. Sam Savat, a teacher at Preah En Kosei Primary School who brought 37 students to tour the exhibition, expressed great admiration for the displays. She noted that this was her first visit to the museum and her first time witnessing physical recreations of royal coronation garments. As a lover of Khmer heritage and traditions, she expressed immense delight and urged the public and tourists visiting Siem Reap not to miss the opportunity to visit the museum and experience this rare collection.

Previously, the Asian Traditional Textiles Museum has hosted several temporary exhibitions showcasing traditional Khmer garments, ancient silks, shirts, and skirts collected from local citizens across various provinces who preserved them from the pre-war era.

Article by Neang Samnang / Photos by Sin Pranei