APAD 309: Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Theatre

A lot of tourists opt to skip Phnom Penh to head straight to Siem Reap. They’re missing out on a lot of things, I tell you. A LOT.

Phnom Penh is a vibrant city with a charm and unique character that is worth a visit. Here’s one of those reasons why you should visit the Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Theatre.

Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Theatre is one of the significant examples of Sangkum architecture by none other than, the great,Vann Molyvann.

It was designed by Vann Molyvann and completed in 1961. It reinterprets traditional Khmer elements such as the pointed ‘tower’ and triangle roof forms which open out like a fan seen from above. The Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Theatre is a significant example of post-independence Khmer Architecture. It was originally opened to the public as La Salle de Conférence Chaktomuk. Thirty years or so later, in 1991, it was earmarked for “redevelopment” as a restaurant but was brought back in 1994 as a theatre after a fire gutted down the National Theatre. In 2000, Chaktomuk was refurbished into what it is now – a modern conference centre that provides international-standard facilities for conferences. On occasions, it is still used a venue for special and official programs by some government agencies.

This is a very interesting building, don’t you agree? It is one of my favourite buildings in Phnom Penh.
Architecture-wise, it is very pleasing to the eyes. The lines, shapes, textures, and colours make it so eye-catching. But wait till you see it’s awesome fan-shape from above. Here’s one that I found: Chaktomuk Conference Hall and Theatre via Googlemaps.