Groundbreaking of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple
The groundbreaking of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple was presided over by President Veasna Kuonno Neang, president of the Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission, on Sept. 18, 2021. President Bunhouch Eng, president of the Phnom Penh North Stake, also spoke in the ceremony. President Eng shared that when President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated Cambodia for missionary work in 1996, only half of the 450 in attendance were Latter-day Saints.
In his remarks to the congregation, President Neang said, “Today, a holy temple of God will begin its foundation, representing the faithfulness, love and joy of the Saints in Cambodia. We know that when we come to the temple, we can feel closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. It will be such a blessing to come to the temple as often as we can.”
The Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple was dedicated Aug. 30, 2026, by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Timeline of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple
The Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple was announced Oct. 7, 2018, by Church President Russell M. Nelson. The groundbreaking and site dedication for this house of the Lord were held on Sept. 18, 2021, and presided over by President Veasna Kuonno Neang, president of the Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission.
After a public open house from Aug. 15 to Aug. 22, 2026, the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple was dedicated Aug. 30, 2026, by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Architecture and Design of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple
The Phnom Penh temple is a single-story building of nearly 10,000 square feet. It stands on a 3.2-acre site along Russian Federation Boulevard, between the Cambodia Institute of Technology and the Institute of Foreign Languages, near the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
The interior and exterior designs of the temple resemble culture and artistic traditions of Cambodia. Colors throughout the building, for example, are similar to those in traditional Cambodian textiles, local flora and cultural symbols.
The structure’s exterior — clad in limestone — parallels components of traditional Cambodian religious structures, fitting its design with the location. Interior motifs draw inspiration from kbach patterns common in local silverwork, furniture, murals and pottery.
Interior Photos of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple
