The Central Market of Phnom Penh

The Central Market of Phnom Penh, is a large market constructed in 1937 in the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. It is located in Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh.

The unique, stunning ochre-coloured, art-deco Central Market is definitely a Phnom Penh landmark. The structure was built in 1937 in Art Deco style on an area that was until 1935 a lake collecting the runoff during the rainy season. Prior to the construction, Phnom Penh was limited to the area between the Riverside and Norodom Boulevard. At the western side of Norodom were some wooden farmer houses belonging to Khmer who lived from rice cultivation in the lakes. Dredging started in 1935 and opened the area up for expansion.

The market was built by the French when Cambodia was under colonial rule. When it first opened in 1937, it was said to be the biggest market in Asia, and today it still operates as a market. From 2009 to 2011, it was renovated that funded by the French Development Agency.

This unique Art Deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark. Prior to 1935, the area was a lake that received runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained and the market begin its construction in 1935 and completed in 1937. Wet season flooding in the area around the market is vestigial evidence of the existence of the old lake.