Cambodia Tourism, Art for Kep Launch Southeast Asia's First Underwater Museum
Cambodia’s tourism authority partners with Art for Kep to highlight the coastal province of Kep. This collaboration promotes the S.E.A. Ocean Gallery, Southeast Asia’s first underwater art museum, set to open later this year, aiming to draw international visitors to the region’s cultural and marine attractions.
Kep Focuses on Cultural and Marine Tourism Development
The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) has formed a partnership with Art for Kep to enhance the international profile of Kep province. This initiative promotes Kep as a key destination for cultural and marine tourism. The collaboration specifically highlights the S.E.A. Ocean Gallery, which represents Southeast Asia’s inaugural underwater art museum.
This new attraction plans to open its doors to visitors later in 2026. The partnership agreement was formally signed on 7 August at Knai Bang Chatt in Kep. This joint effort aims to attract more international travellers to Cambodia’s coastal areas. Under the terms of the agreement, CTB will provide support for the international promotion of both Kep and the Ocean Gallery.
This strategy targets audiences outside Cambodia, aiming to establish the area as a significant destination for culture and marine activities.
S.E.A. Ocean Gallery Combines Art with Marine Conservation
Kep province, one of Cambodia’s four coastal regions, has been recognised as a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club since 2011. The area is also noted for its seafood, particularly crab, alongside its coastal scenery, islands, mangrove ecosystems, and eco-tourism offerings.
The S.E.A. Ocean Gallery is being developed off the Kep coast within a designated marine protection area. Its underwater sculptures will rest on the seabed, specifically designed to foster the growth of living reefs. These structures will also provide new habitats for marine life.
Art for Kep leads this project in collaboration with Knai Bang Chatt and Marine Conservation Cambodia. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport provide their official support.
Dual Venue Approach and Phased Development
The Ocean Gallery will operate across two distinct venues. One venue comprises an onshore exhibition and visitor centre located at Kep West and Knai Bang Chatt. The second, an underwater gallery, is situated in the Koh Karang area, approximately 8.5 kilometres offshore. This underwater site will feature 3D-printed marine sculptures.
These sculptures are engineered to function as artificial reef habitats, enhancing local biodiversity. The gallery is scheduled for an official launch around the end of 2026, though a precise date remains unannounced. Biodiversity mapping and reef-structure installations will continue throughout 2026. Further site development is planned to extend into early 2027.
Once operational, visitors can access the underwater gallery by boat, followed by diving or snorkelling. Information regarding approved operators, necessary permits, and booking procedures will be released closer to the opening.
Boosting Cambodia’s Appeal Through Sustainable Tourism
Kim Minea, CEO of the Cambodia Tourism Board, stated the partnership will help highlight Kep’s natural and cultural features for international travellers. He added that such initiatives strengthen Cambodia’s global appeal. They also generate sustained value for local communities through sustainable tourism and environmental conservation efforts.
Jef Moons, Chairperson of Art for Kep, explained the project aims to showcase Kep beyond its coastline by integrating contemporary art with marine restoration. This collaboration, supported by CTB’s Matching Grant Programme for Overseas Promotion of Events, seeks to elevate Kep’s international standing.
It aims to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays, and support both sustainable tourism and environmental protection. This development positions Kep as a growing destination for specialised marine and cultural exploration.
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