A gallery in Battambang province seeks to promote a positive understanding of modern Cambodian history and invites visitors to reflect more deeply on the complex reasons of past wars, rather than display drawings, paintings or sculptures that are designed purely to please the eye.

On the road to the Banan Temple complex in Wat Kor commune’s Khsach Poy village of Battambang town, the Cambodia Peace Gallery (CPG) features photographs of the Kingdom’s recovery from its modern conflicts.

According to Casper Gils, director of the gallery, the CPG is an independent organisation that was officially inaugurated in October 2018.

“We offer a wide range of educational programmes and guided tours that help our visitors, both domestic and international, to gain a deeper understanding of the peace building and reconciliation processes in Cambodia, after three decades of war,” he said.

“We have nine exhibitions across three main buildings. Each of them covers a different topic. One shows the end of war in Cambodia (peace negotiations), one details recovery (resolving the issue of weapons and mines and rebuilding the country), and one explores reconciliation and healing (repairing the social and spiritual damage of war),” he said.

He added that the gallery is open to the public and welcomes anyone who wants to learn.

“Our place is for everyone, and we welcome visits from anyone who is seeking understanding. We are open to all, with no judgement or discrimination,” he said.

Casper said the gallery pays special attention to young students, as they will be the ones who are responsible for creating a positive and peaceful future.

Casper said the gallery also hosts a programme called Peace Coffee, which is held once a month. The event is an opportunity for various speakers to share their stories, sometimes in Khmer and sometimes in English.