The Best Independent Art Galleries In Battambang Cambodia

Dubbed Cambodia’s artistic hub, the contemporary arts scene is thriving in the northwestern city of Battambang.

Historically, Battambang has a reputation for spawning a number of the country’s artistic greats in the form of artists, musicians and intellectuals, including 1960s singer Ros Sereysoth and S-21 survivor and artist Vann Nath.

During the Khmer Rouge reign from 1975 to 1979, an estimated 90% of the country’s artists were killed or had fled. However, almost four decades on and the arts scene is flourishing once again, coming as no surprise that at the heart of this movement remains the creative capital of Battambang (pronounced Battambong).

Despite being Cambodia’s second largest city, Battambang resembles more of a sleepy town, where the pace of life is laid back and time almost seems to stand still. With a grid network of small lanes and streets steering away from the central point, which is a market, a day can easily be spent exploring and discovering artists’ studios, small galleries, street art, and bars and restaurants showcasing work.

1. Phare Ponleu Selpak

School

As one of the main driving forces behind Battambang’s creative revival, Phare Ponleu Selpak is home to Cambodia’s renowned circus, as well as an arts school for underprivileged youngsters. A gallery showcasing the next generation of artists’ work can be viewed, with pieces up for sale, prior to a highly recommended visit to the circus. If you find yourself in Siem Reap, be sure to attend one of the daily shows there. Proceeds from these events are reinvested back into Phare’s operations.

2. Bric-a-Brac Boutique

Hotel

Acting as a living, breathing gallery, this stylish three-room hotel also serves as a boutique and showroom, making Bric-a-Brac a welcome addition to Battambang. The brainchild of tassel maker Morrison Polkinghorne, the store showcases a range of detailed weavings from across the region, as well as antiques and modern textiles. Visitors can also watch tassels and fabrics being created by hand, as well as take part in a range of workshops, such as design.

3. Tep Kao Sol

Art Gallery

Loeum Lorns work can be seen at Tep Kao Sol

Another venture to be born from Phare is Tep Kao Sol, which is the gallery space for Loeum Lorn, who graduated from the school in 2005, having studied visual art. Often depicting daily life and Battambang’s impressive colonial architecture, Lorn’s signature style—using melted colored ice and photographing it—can be seen hanging on the walls.