The building was originally constructed in the early 20th century as the municipal treasury of Phnom Penh.
The name 'SOSORO' is an acronym for 'SObha ROth', a tribute to the museum's dual focus on social and economic history.
It houses a rare collection of pre-Angkorian silver coins from the Kingdom of Funan.
The museum documents the unique period between 1975 and 1979 when money was completely abolished in Cambodia.
It is the only museum in Cambodia exclusively dedicated to the history of currency and economics.
The SOSORO Museum is the national museum of economy and money, housed within the meticulously restored colonial-era Hotel Kantha Bopha in Phnom Penh. The institution chronicles Cambodia’s history through the lens of its currency, spanning from the ancient Funan period to the modern era. Its exhibits demonstrate how the development of money mirrors the nation’s political and social evolution over 2,000 years. The facility is a collaboration between the National Bank of Cambodia and the French Development Agency. Visitors progress through chronological galleries featuring rare coins, banknotes, and historical documents. The museum uses multimedia installations and interactive displays to contextualize economic shifts. It highlights the abolition of money during the Khmer Rouge regime and its subsequent reintroduction in 1980. The museum complex also includes a library and educational spaces focused on financial literacy.
The restored colonial facade of the building against the backdrop of the modern cityscape.
Engage with the interactive touchscreens, as they provide essential historical context for the physical artifacts on display.
Check for temporary thematic exhibitions in the ground-floor gallery before beginning your main tour.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality books and publications regarding Cambodian economic history.
Do not mistake this for a general history or art museum; focus your visit on the economic narrative to appreciate the specific curatorial depth.
Closed on Mondays.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Refrain from touching glass display cases.
