Culture : APSARA National Authority and Immersive Angkor Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Cultural Heritage Immersive Experience

The APSARA National Authority (ANA) and Immersive Angkor have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the "Immersive Angkor Museum." This partnership aims to use cutting-edge technology to create a unique cultural experience that brings Angkor's history to life.

APSARA National Authority and Immersive Angkor Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Cultural Heritage Immersive Experience

The MoU outlines plans to increase Angkor's global visibility, promote tourism, and support heritage preservation through an interactive museum in Siem Reap. ANA will provide scientific guidance to ensure historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity, while Immersive Angkor will develop and manage the museum.

H.E. Dr. HANG Peou, Director General of ANA, stated:

"This partnership aligns with our mission to preserve and promote the Angkor Archaeological Park. Working with Immersive Angkor allows us to enhance visitor experiences and contribute to digital preservation efforts, further solidifying Angkor's status as a global cultural icon."

Soreasmey KE BIN, CEO of Immersive Angkor, emphasized: "This collaboration is pivotal for sharing Angkor's history through new technology. The Immersive Angkor Museum will offer a journey through time, deepening visitors' understanding of Cambodia's cultural heritage while ensuring the preservation of its legacy."

H.E. LONG Kosal, ANA Deputy Director-General and spokesman, highlighted the importance of this public-private partnership:

"The Royal Government of Cambodia, through ANA, is committed to welcoming investments in tourism that improve visitors' knowledge of the Angkor Archaeological Park and enhance their experience. This collaboration with Immersive Angkor exemplifies how we can work together to achieve these goals."

The project was first presented at the International Coordination Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor (ICC Angkor) during its 30th session in December 2022

The project encompasses more than just the museum experience. As part of this initiative, extensive temple scans will be conducted, marking a significant milestone in creating a digital library of Angkor's temples. This digital preservation effort ensures the temples' legacy for future generations. Additionally, Immersive Angkor will provide training to ANA's teams on the latest scanning technologies, making knowledge transfer an essential component of the project.

The project was officially presented to Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet in January 2024, who emphasized its importance in expanding understanding of Cambodian culture and civilization, especially among the younger generation. The museum will be located in a new 2,000-square-meter facility and will welcome up to 1,500 visitors per day, with peak hours accommodating 180 visitors per hour.

The immersive hall itself will span 1,000 square meters, featuring 8-meter-high projection walls that guarantee a unique and engaging experience for visitors

The immersive experience will take visitors on a journey through the history of Angkor's temples, using scientific scans to recreate their evolution. As Angkor's tourism sector continues to recover from the pandemic, it is essential to provide high-value experiences that attract new visitors and encourage them to extend their stays in Siem Reap. Immersive Angkor aims to do just that, offering a cultural product designed for both local and international audiences, including Western and Asian visitors.

Soreasmey concluded:

"The signing of the MoU marks an important milestone, moving this project toward real implementation. We are ready to start the work, with content development progressing well. We aim to open the museum by late 2025. While our focus is on making Immersive Angkor a success, we're always exploring ways to further enhance Siem Reap's cultural offerings."

Key Points of the MoU

• Immersive Angkor will create and manage the "Immersive Angkor Museum," set to open in 2025

• ANA will oversee the project's content to ensure its accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

• Immersive Angkor will conduct 3D scans of specific Angkor monuments under ANA's guidance

• All digital data and 3D reconstructions will be shared with ANA

• Immersive Angkor will provide training on scanning technologies to ANA teams