Museum’s catalogue reveals King Sisowath’s 1906 odyssey
THE SOSORO Museum, also referred to as the Cambodian Museum of Economy and Money Preah Srey Icanavarman, has achieved a noteworthy feat: the launch of its first-ever catalogue.
Focused on the museum’s prominent temporary exhibition, The Journey of King Sisowath in France in 1906: A Mutual Revelation, the 191-page catalogue is a collaborative effort by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC).
It serves as a treasure trove, delving into the historic moment when King Sisowath became the first Cambodian monarch to visit the West.
The catalogue, available in Khmer, English and French, showcases rare photographs, insightful articles and engaging narratives, providing a vivid account of this significant event.
To enhance the reader’s experience, QR codes within the catalogue unlock informative videos, allowing a deeper dive into the journey’s intricacies.
“We’re not merely providing a peek into history but delivering an interactive experience,” said Blaise Kilian, codirector of the museum.
“The catalogue incorporates transcripts of four video documentaries, exclusively produced for the exhibition,
featuring noted linguist, researcher and Khmerologist Olivier de Bernon,” he said.
Discovering King Sisowath’s journey through the catalogue provides insight into the challenges, cultural impact, and interactions the monarch had in early 20th-century French society.
The captivating exhibition, extended due to demand, featured original postcards, photos, news articles and coins, creating a tangible link to the historical period.
Highlights included King Sisowath’s charm, his influence
on French elites and the debut of Khmer Classical Dance outside Cambodia, showcasing a cultural exchange with France.
The exhibition explored the contrast and continuity between King Sisowath and King Norodom, reflecting on the monarchy’s evolution.
The SOSORO Museum, open Tuesday through Sunday and situated on Preah Moha Ksatreiyani Kossamak Avenue (St 106), is known for seamlessly integrating technology with artefacts, striving to provide a distinctive educational experience that connects the past
with the present.
Priced at 100,000 riel ($25.00), the catalogue is available at the museum, serving as a valuable resource for historians and anyone intrigued by Cambodia’s history and global interactions.
This catalogue is more than images and texts; it’s a portal to a pivotal moment in history, offering a chance for readers to immerse themselves in the story of King Sisowath’s journey and the profound political and cultural exchange between Cambodia and France in 1906.