Cambodia’s art scene has picked up pace in the last few years, with new galleries sprouting up to complement stalwarts on the scene. Here’s a handful of art galleries in Phnom Penh showcasing work from local and international artists.
Art Galleries in Phnom Penh
Meta House
A definite stalwart on the scene, Meta House – officially the Cambodian-German Cultural Center, Meta House Goethe-Center – has been providing Phnom Penh with its art fix since January 2007. Launched as a creative platform for Cambodia’s burgeoning arts and media scene, it has grown into an award-winning cultural centre. It recently relocated to its latest home on Street 228, where it regularly hosts art exhibitions, film screenings, live music and performances. It’s also home to Italian restaurant Genova and Berlin Bar.
Java Creative Café
Another well-established art gallery in Phnom Penh is Java Creative Café, which has been championing the local art scene since 2000. While its original home on Sihanouk Boulevard, overlooking Independence Monument, has closed, its latest Tuol Tom Poung location is a spacious creative space and café, with a black box theatre that regularly hosts performances. It also has a community art space – and great food. Its sister café and art space can be found in Tuol Kork.
Pi-Pet-Pi Gallery 282
Having relocated to Phnom Penh from its Kampot home during the pandemic, Pi-Pet-Pi Gallery is a welcome addition to the capital’s growing art scene. It primarily showcases the work of established and emerging contemporary Khmer artists, but recently started exhibiting the work of international artists who provide a commentary on contemporary Cambodia. In addition, it sells artists’ prints, cards ad books. It also recently shifted shop from its first home in the capital on Street 282 to leafy Street 240.
Din Art Gallery Phnom Penh
Kampot-born painter Teang Borin, known affectionately as Din, is a self-taught artist who studied architecture at university. After working at an architectural firm for six years, he quit in 2014 to follow his lifelong dream of being an artist. Today his mesmerising abstract paintings of ethereal Apsara dancers adorn the walls of some of the country’s top hotels and restaurants. His work can be seen at his cosy gallery on Street 19.
Chhan Dina Gallery
Sculptor and painter Chhan Dina has risen to become one of Cambodia’s leading female contemporary artists. She specialises in abstract art, with her colourful creations also seen in venues across the country. She tackles a variety of themes, including nature, environmental issues and conservation, and everyday life. Her work features in her dedicated Phnom Penh art gallery and has appeared in scores of international exhibitions, including in Colombia, France, Singapore and the US.
Sra’Art
Sra’Art is a cool creative space dedicated to connecting Cambodian artists, art enthusiasts and those wanting to discover modern Cambodia’s vibrant art scene. The Phnom Penh art gallery features exhibitions from both local and international contemporary artists, as well as other events, including a kids’ art club, live painting sessions, art classes and talks from artists.
