The Techo Peace Museum in Cambodia’s Siem Reap province is expected to be inaugurated on December 3, with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet set to preside over the ceremony. Focused on the history of war and mine action, the museum could give the province a new venue to tell the story of peace and postwar reconstruction.
The Techo Peace Museum is located in Prasat Bakong district, Siem Reap province. It covers about 14.8 hectares and has two main buildings. One was funded by the Cambodian government and the other was built with aid from the Japanese government, reflecting cooperation between the two countries.
The museum’s most striking feature is its exterior. The designers took the PMN-2 landmine as their model and incorporated its shape into the architecture, drawing attention to the long-standing problem of landmines in Cambodia.
The museum’s main exhibits cover Cambodia’s wartime history, the harm caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance, and more than 30 years of demining work by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). Historical materials and displays trace Cambodia’s journey from war to peace and reconstruction.
Construction reportedly began in early 2022, with support from the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The museum is now making final preparations for its inauguration.
Once open, the museum is expected to give visitors a place to learn about Cambodia’s wartime history, mine clearance and peacebuilding, while raising public awareness of the dangers of landmines and the value of peace.
