Once a powerful kingdom that rose and then vanished beneath the forests of Southeast Asia, Angkor continues to fascinate scholars and visitors alike. For a limited time, Denver residents and travelers can experience its legacy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s exhibition, Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia.
© Jamie Pham
“We are honored to bring the story of Angkor to Denver,” said Dr. Michele Koons, director of Anthropology and curator of Archaeology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “This exhibition gives visitors a rare chance to connect with one of the world’s most remarkable ancient civilizations and to appreciate its artistic, cultural, and architectural achievements.”
The exhibition presents more than 100 carvings alongside sacred sculptures and ancient artifacts, many of which have not been shown outside Cambodia before. Advances in technology—most notably Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping—have helped archaeologists reveal temples, roads, and other structures that once lay hidden beneath dense jungle canopy.
© Jamie Pham
“The exhibition has something for everyone, from curious children to history lovers and archaeology enthusiasts,” said Kelsi Cowan, program coordinator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “Our goal is to deepen visitors’ understanding of Angkor’s lasting influence and to spark interest in Cambodian art, culture, and heritage.”
Key features of the show include Khmer artifacts from Cambodia such as tools and ritual objects; an interactive LiDAR mapping station that demonstrates how the landscape was rediscovered; hands-on musical displays where visitors can hear and learn about the kse diev, one of the oldest known Khmer instruments; and the Bayon Wall scanner, which brings to life bas-reliefs that portray scenes of daily life, ritual, and ceremony.
By combining authentic objects with immersive technology, the exhibition offers context for Angkor’s rise, its sophisticated urban planning, and the artistic traditions that continue to influence Cambodia today. Visitors leave with a clearer sense of how environmental change, political shifts, and cultural exchange shaped this extraordinary civilization and its architectural masterpieces.
Whether you are planning a family outing, an educational visit with students, or a deeper exploration of Southeast Asian history, Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia provides an engaging and informative experience that highlights both renowned monuments and lesser-known aspects of Khmer life. The exhibit invites reflection on the processes of discovery and preservation that allow these ancient stories to be shared across the world.