bronze sculpture of a reclining Vishnu showing his face with two arms bent at the elbow
Mebon Reclining Vishnu, National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia © The Royal Government of Cambodia / photo by Thierry Ollivier for the Guimet Museum.

Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine

Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine

October 25, 2025 - January 18, 2026
Target Galleries
General Admission $20; Contributor Member+ Free (additional tickets $16); Youth 17 and Under Free

Step into the splendor of Cambodia’s Khmer Empire in “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine,” a groundbreaking exhibition in collaboration with the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts, France, and the National Museum of Cambodia. While Angkor’s monumental stone temples are world renowned, this exhibition highlights the empire’s exquisite bronze artistry—statues, ritual objects, and artifacts that reveal a fascinating blend of artistic mastery, religious devotion, and royal power.

Featuring more than 200 objects, including a colossal sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu—a Cambodian national treasure—this exhibition offers an unprecedented look at Khmer bronze craftsmanship brought to light through recent archaeological discoveries. Witness the enduring legacy of Cambodia’s sacred metallurgical traditions and their profound cultural significance.

Mia offers free admission to ticketed exhibitions for veterans and active-duty military and families, Minnesota WIC, MCAD students and staff, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff, and museum professionals. You can reserve free admission tickets by calling Visitor Experience at 612-870-3000.

logos of sponsors for the exhibition

Member Days

Free Entry on Member Days

Mia members at all levels can see the exhibition free on Member Days: Tuesday, November 4, 2025; Thursday, November 13, 2025; Friday, November 28, 2025; Sunday, December 14, 2025; Thursday, January 1, 2026; and Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Not a member yet? Learn more and join today.

Resources

Teachers Guide

Learn about Cambodian history and copper metallurgy, and prepare your students for a visit to the special exhibition.

Curator Talks

West Mebon Vishnu

Join us for a free talk and discover the fascinating story behind one of Cambodia’s greatest treasures: the monumental bronze statue of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m.

Cambodian Masterpieces from Phnom Penh and Paris

Learn about the close relationship between the National Museum of Cambodia and the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts, France that made the exhibition possible. Pierre Baptiste from the Guimet highlights masterworks in the show, archaeological discoveries, and scientific breakthroughs that shed new light on bronze production under the Khmer kings.

Tours

Public Tours

Join us for a free public tour of the exhibition and gain deeper insight into the pieces in the exhibition. Note: The tour is free, but you need a ticket to enter the exhibition.

Special Events

Family Day

Family day is a free monthly event for families, filled with hands-on art activities, gallery hunts, and more. Join us to celebrate Cambodian culture with dance performances and a metal stamping workshop.

Sunday, December 14, 2025
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Vision and Voice: Young Adult Night

Mia’s Young Adult Night is for individuals age 18 to 26 who love art, free food, and chill vibes. Enjoy a special evening that includes live music and free access to the exhibition.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
6–9 p.m.

Meet at Mia

Meet at Mia is a free Thursday evening event for adults, filled with live music, art making, and more. Watch traditional Cambodian dance performances, learn about metal casting, and enjoy free access to the exhibition.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
5–9 p.m.

Ragamala Dance Company Presents Moving Bronzes

Watch Ragamala Dance Company brings to life the gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology. The performance intertwines music, movement, and poetry rooted in South Indian tradition that resonates across cultures.

Saturday, November 8, 2025
2–4:30 p.m.

Community Reception

Join us for a special reception to celebrate the exhibition and experience the beauty of Cambodian heritage while connecting with the Minnesota Cambodian community.

Thursday, November 6, 2025
5–8 p.m.

Educators Evening

Join us for an evening designed just for educators and discover what’s new at Mia. Get a first look at current exhibitions, including free admission to “Royal Bronzes,” and discover new classroom-ready learning resources.

Thursday, October 30, 2025
4:30–6:30 p.m.

Mebon Reclining Vishnu, National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia © The Royal Government of Cambodia / photo by Thierry Ollivier for the Guimet Museum.