Kep to Launch Southeast Asia's First Underwater Art Gallery

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) has announced a partnership with Art for Kep to establish Southeast Asia’s first underwater art museum, the S.E.A. Ocean Gallery, in the coastal province of Kep. The agreement, signed on August 7, 2026, at Knai Bang Chatt, aims to promote Kep as a cultural and marine tourism destination, attracting international visitors and encouraging longer stays.

The S.E.A. Ocean Gallery will feature both onshore and underwater attractions, combining contemporary art with marine conservation efforts. The project is strategically located within a marine protection area off Kep’s coastline, approximately 8.5 kilometers from shore, and will include 3D-printed marine sculptures designed to serve as artificial reefs, fostering coral growth and providing habitats for marine life.

“Initiatives like this not only strengthen Cambodia’s international appeal but also generate lasting value for local communities through sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.”Kim Minea, CEO, Cambodia Tourism Board

CTB Chief Executive Officer Kim Minea emphasized the initiative's potential to showcase Kep's unique cultural and natural assets to a global audience. She noted that initiatives like this not only strengthen Cambodia’s international appeal but also generate lasting value for local communities through sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

The underwater gallery is expected to attract artists, collectors, and eco-conscious travelers interested in experience-based tourism. Visitors will access the site via boat, with options for diving or snorkeling. Details regarding tour operators, permits, and booking arrangements will be released closer to the gallery's opening, which is scheduled to open around the end of 2026.

Art for Kep Chairperson Jef Moons remarked that the project aims to reshape international perceptions of Kep by merging contemporary art with marine restoration. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, reflecting a broader governmental push to diversify Cambodia’s tourism offerings beyond its well-known heritage sites.

“We aim to reshape international perceptions of Kep by merging contemporary art with marine restoration.”Jef Moons, Chairperson, Art for Kep

Kep, known for its seafood, especially crab, and its scenic coastal landscapes, is one of Cambodia's four coastal provinces. It has been a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club since 2011. The Ocean Gallery is expected to provide a unique marketing proposition for the province, combining art, conservation, and experiential travel.

As Cambodia seeks to enhance international tourism, the partnership with Art for Kep represents a significant step towards promoting Kep as a destination for cultural and marine tourism. By targeting the global art community, CTB aims to secure a larger share of international cultural tourism, ultimately benefiting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.