Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Overview

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, occupies a former high school that the Khmer Rouge converted into a secret prison and interrogation centre from 1975 to 1979. An estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned here, of whom only a handful survived. Today it serves as a museum and memorial.

Highlights

• Building A: Former classrooms preserved with iron bed frames and shackles used for interrogation.
• Photographic Archive: Thousands of mugshots of prisoners taken upon arrival, displayed across Buildings B and C.
• Survivor Testimonies: Paintings by survivor Vann Nath depicting the torture he witnessed and endured.

History

The Khmer Rouge commandeered Tuol Svay Prey High School in 1975, renaming it Security Prison 21. Under director Kaing Guek Eav ("Duch"), prisoners were interrogated, tortured, and eventually sent to Choeung Ek for execution. Vietnamese forces discovered the prison in January 1979 with only seven survivors.

Visitor Tips

• Audio guide: Highly recommended; available in multiple languages for $3.
• Emotional intensity: This is a deeply moving visit; allow time to decompress afterward.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.