The magnificent reclining Vishnu statue from Western Mebon, Angkor’s largest bronze sculpture, has arrived in France for an extensive study before its scheduled exhibition in 2025. This artifact is one of the prized possessions of the National Museum of Cambodia and highlights the outstanding collaboration between France and Cambodia over several years, aimed at restoring the Western Mebon temple at the Angkor archaeological site.
Discovered in 1936 by French curator Maurice Glaize, this 11th-century sculpture originally measured over 16 feet in length and nearly 15 feet in height. It stands out as a unique masterpiece of Khmer art, captivating researchers and curators worldwide due to its symbolism and unprecedented form for a Khmer bronze of this size.
The journey of the statue to France is part of a robust cooperative effort focused on the study and restoration of the Vishnu sculpture. The National Museum of Cambodia has collaborated with the National Museum of Asian Arts-Guimet, EFEO, and C2RMF to support this project. During its time in France, the statue will undergo a comprehensive scientific study at the C2RMF in Paris, followed by an extensive restoration at the Arc’Antique laboratory in Nantes. This project is supported by ALIPH (International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas).
Once restored, the reclining Vishnu will be displayed at the National Museum of Asian Arts – Guimet in Paris as the centerpiece of a special exhibition on Cambodian bronze art from April 30 to September 8, 2025. Following this, the statue will tour several cities in the United States before returning to Cambodia.
