Inauguration of Temporary Public Exhibition “Return of the Ancestors’ Souls: Lost Khmer Art Objects and Repatriation Demands to Cambodia” Held at Pursat Provincial Museum Grounds

On the morning of Monday, August 24, 2026, the Department of Antiquities, in collaboration with the Pursat Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts, organized the inauguration ceremony for a temporary public photo exhibition on illicitly exported Khmer art objects and their repatriation to Cambodia, held at the Pursat Provincial Museum grounds. The ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Ouk Sokha, Director General of the General Directorate of Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Mrs. Pok Nady, Deputy Governor of Pursat Province (representing the Provincial Governor), and Her Excellency Chhim Sina, Provincial Council Member. The event brought together approximately 300 participants, including representatives from national authorities, directors of culture and fine arts departments across all 25 capitals and provinces, local departmental leaders, armed forces, youth representatives from UYFC, Cambodia Scouts, the Red Cross, teachers, and students.

This temporary exhibition aims to raise awareness regarding the preservation, protection, conservation, and development of national culture in alignment with the “Cambodia: Kingdom of Culture” vision. In particular, it seeks to inform the public about lost ancestral heritage reclaimed by the Royal Government and inspire a nationwide movement to protect Khmer cultural treasures.

Furthermore, the event serves to inspire the youth—the nation’s future—to recognize the uniqueness and richness of Khmer artistic and cultural heritage passed down through generations. This initiative effectively fosters national consciousness and encourages every Cambodian to actively participate in preserving and protecting cultural heritage as the identity and soul of the nation.