6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Cambodia

Cambodia's answer to Cirque du Soleil is a "circus with a purpose"—and truly a must-see. The circus launched in 2013 to provide jobs for graduates of the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus school in Battambang, formed in 1994 by nine refugees. Their mission was to use the arts as therapy as much as a means of lifting locals out of poverty. After quickly becoming one of the most popular activities in Siem Reap, Phare moved to a larger site fifteen minutes from the center, with a cafe-bar, an outdoor stage for free cultural performances before the main show, and a shop selling gifts made by local artists and designers. The high-energy shows are rooted in Cambodian stories, traditional and modern, combining circus arts, dance, and music to captivate audiences every night.

Get inspired! A really interesting initiative, The 1961 is a gallery-art-events-cowork space. People gather for the quality exhibitions, to enjoy cool drinks in the outdoor pavilion, or just to find a quiet little spot to catch up on some work and have a coffee. The regular exhibitions feature local and international artists and aim to bring them closer to their audiences, showcasing classic to avant-garde, and visual to musical forms of art.

This architectural landmark, built in 1960 by Vann Molyvann in the modernist "New Khmer Architecture" style, hosts performances of traditional music and dance organized by the Ministry of Culture, and is also a venue for business events such as conferences. It's worth a stroll by just to absorb the design, but ask your hotel concierge or tour desk to check for upcoming concert details.

Since 2007, the German Goethe Institute's Meta House has been a vital venue for independent arts and culture in the capital, and a significant supporter of the development of the Cambodian arts scene. Their calendar of events includes Cambodian and European independent film screenings and film festivals, photography and art exhibitions, theater performances, live music, and traditional performances of Khmer dance and music. Their two restaurants and bars are great spots for meeting fascinating locals and expats.

Established to create work opportunities for talented local artists, Plae Pakaa puts on three shows, each performed twice a week at 7 pm (no show on Sunday). They are organized by the Marion Institute with Cambodian Living Arts and take place in the National Museum gardens. The beautifully staged performances showcase the rich diversity of Cambodian culture, from Apsara dances to traditional ceremonies, theater, music, and contemporary dance. If you're only in town for two or three days you can catch a different performance each night.

The privately run association organizes educational workshops for young Cambodians in dance, music, and theater, and hosts performances featuring shadow puppets, folk dances, and traditional music every Friday and Saturday at its theater.