Cambodia to Receive Large Collection of Khmer Artefacts From Hungarian Collector

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.21,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said it has reached an agreement with Hungarian collector István Zelnik for the return of a large collection of Khmer cultural artefacts after several years of negotiations.

Zelnik, a former diplomat and longtime collector of Asian art, holds one of the largest known private collections of Southeast Asian material. In the early 2000s, he founded the Hungarian Southeast Asian Institute, which supported archaeological work at Angkor and Koh Ker, including surveys, LiDAR studies and historical research. The ministry said this assistance contributed to Koh Ker’s recent nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Under the agreement, 183 pieces of Khmer silk textiles will be repatriated, significantly expanding the National Museum of Cambodia’s textile collection. The return also includes prehistoric artefacts such as coins, beads, jewelry and items made from precious metals, bronze, stone and clay, many believed to have been taken from Cambodia during decades of conflict.

Additional stone and bronze objects from the pre-Angkor and Angkor periods are also part of the collection.​​ The ministry said Zelnik, now in his 70s, had previously returned several Khmer objects and supported research and publication projects related to Cambodian cultural heritage.

Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona said the country’s political stability has allowed it to focus on recovering cultural property lost during years of unrest. She also thanked Prime Minister Hun Manet for his support of cultural heritage protection.

The ministry acknowledged the work of its internal team and external collaborators, including Bradley J. Gordon of Edenbridge Asia, for assisting in research, identification and negotiations connected to the repatriation.

Officials described the handover as an example for other collectors and institutions holding Cambodian artefacts, urging them to cooperate with Cambodian authorities or embassies to facilitate similar returns. The government said such repatriations are an important contribution to safeguarding national identity and the global cultural record.