Beyond Repatriation: Reconciliation Through Cultural Cooperation with Cambodia

When works of cultural heritage were removed from Cambodia during decades of colonial control, war, and national recovery, many found their way to museums around the world. To promote reconciliation by means of elevating understanding and appreciation of historical Cambodian art, the Cleveland Museum of Art has been partnering with the National Museum of Cambodia on art transfers, exhibitions, training programs, and information sharing. A senior staff member of the NMC and a curator at the CMA discuss the model relationship between their institutions and prospects for the future. The discussion also includes a performance of Cambodian-American composer Chinary Ung’s Khse Buon, played by the Cleveland Orchestra’s principal cellist Mark Kosower.

This program is presented in partnership with the Cleveland Orchestra, as part of the 2025 Mandel Opera and Humanities Festival: Reconciliation.