Iconic Phnom Penh photograph donated to the SOSORO Museum by French Ambassador

The Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO) is honored to announce a special donation ceremony, which took place on December 9th at its premises.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jacques Pellet, Ambassador of France to Cambodia, and Her Excellency Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia. During this event, the French Ambassador officially donated to the National Bank of Cambodia's SOSORO Museum a historically significant photograph taken 50 years ago in Cambodia by renowned French photojournalist Christine Spengler

The photograph, depicting the outskirts of Phnom Penh bombed by the Khmer Rouge in 1974, is a poignant reminder of Cambodia’s tumultuous history and resilience. Christine Spengler powerful work is currently displayed at the SOSORO Museum's temporary exhibition hall until December 28th, as part of the Photo Phnom Penh Festival which celebrates this year its 15th edition.

Christine Spengler’s photography is globally recognized for capturing moments of profound human experience. From conflicts spanning Cambodia, Vietnam, Chad, Ireland, Lebanon or Iraq since the 1970s, she constantly avoided sensationalism, choosing instead to “focus on survivors rather than on the deceased”.

Mr. Blaise Kilian, Co-Director of the SOSORO Museum, expressed his appreciation to the French Embassy for this donation:

“As a repository of historical and economic knowledge, the SOSORO Museum welcomes the addition of this historical archive to its collection. We are glad to put it on display for the general public to view as part of the 2024 Photo Phnom Penh Festival.”

The donation ceremony was also an occasion to underline SOSORO's mission of fostering historical understanding and cultural education.