Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Shines a Spotlight on Khmer Artists

An exhibition that redefines Siem Reap as more than just Angkor Wat

Siem Reap may be globally known as the gateway to Angkor Wat, but a new exhibition at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor reminds us that Cambodia’s cultural identity doesn’t sit only in stone temples. It is alive, evolving, and beautifully expressed on canvas by a new generation of Khmer artists.

The exhibition brings together leading Cambodian painters whose works reflect a nation balancing tradition with modern creativity. For guests stepping into the grandeur of Raffles, it is an unexpected invitation to look deeper into the Cambodia of today—one that values artistry, heritage, and the voices of its contemporary creators.

Beyond Temples: Why Art Matters in Siem Reap

Too often, Siem Reap is viewed only through the lens of ancient ruins. But the city has always had another rhythm—one of creativity, expression, and local storytelling. The exhibition at Raffles builds on this by creating a bridge between Cambodia’s golden past and its artistic present.

Each piece on display offers a glimpse into how Khmer artists reinterpret their history, identity, and personal experiences. From bold strokes that mirror the resilience of the people, to delicate portrayals of daily life, the works carry the unmistakable spirit of a country rising confidently on the global art stage.

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A Venue With Its Own Story

Built in 1932, the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is itself a living piece of history. Hosting an exhibition of Khmer artists within its colonial walls is symbolic: art becomes not only something to view, but something that inhabits the very spaces where Cambodia welcomes the world.

For residents, the exhibition offers an alternative evening to the usual dining or nightlife scene—proof that Cambodia’s lifestyle has layers waiting to be explored. For visitors, it’s a reminder that Siem Reap’s story extends far beyond Angkor’s sunrise.

Artists

Enriching the Lifestyle of Locals and Visitors

This exhibition isn’t just about admiring art. It’s about experiencing Cambodia differently. It’s about finding spaces where creativity lives alongside luxury, where Khmer identity is celebrated in fresh ways, and where foreigners living in Cambodia can engage more deeply with the culture around them.

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And for those who enjoy exploring further, Siem Reap offers other lifestyle experiences that pair perfectly with an art-filled afternoon—quiet walks through the Royal Gardens, coffee in the Old French Quarter, or evenings at riverside cafés where conversations flow as freely as the Siem Reap River.

More Than a Show

The Raffles exhibition is a reminder of what Cambodia does best: surprise. Just when you think you know the country, it opens another door—this time to the creativity of its artists, celebrated in one of its most iconic venues.

For expats, locals, and travellers alike, it’s a chance to see Cambodia with new eyes, and to recognize that its true story is being painted every day, not only remembered in stone.

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Tom Starkey
Author: Tom Starkey

Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.