People may have certain perceptions in their mind when they hear the name Angkor Wat or the Khmer Empire that inhabited Cambodia for centuries. Some of those perceptions may be true, but others are the results of limited knowledge and lack of information.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s newest temporary exhibition, “Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia,” aims to provide greater insight into the fabled empire and what daily life looked like for the people.
“The name of the exhibit turns a lot of the ideas we may have about the Khmer Empire on its head,” said Dr. Michele Koons, director of Anthropology and curator of Archaeology at the museum. “While French explorers were the ones who made the western world aware of Angkor, it was never lost. It was still used by the Cambodian people for religious and cultural purposes.”
“Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia” runs at the museum, 2001 Colorado Blvd., through Aug. 24. The exhibition is included as part of a general admission ticket.
The exhibit explores all areas of life in the empire, which lasted from the 9th to 15th centuries. Angkor was the capital city of the Khmer Empire and the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex is located in the city.
According to provided information, visitors will be able to see more than 100 carvings, sacred sculptures and ancient relics, many of which are being seen outside of Cambodia for the first time. Given the history of artifacts being stolen from the country, it’s important to note the exhibit was created in partnership with the Cambodian government.
The museum also worked with members of the local Cambodian community to enrich the exhibition’s offerings.
While the details of and scope of the items on display are breathtaking, there are also interactive components seamlessly built into it, so guests can try some hands-on learning. These include a Bayon Wall Scanner, which allows guests to explore bas-reliefs, revealing scenes of daily life, work and worship in Angkor, and a Lidar Mapping Display, which shows how this cutting-edge technology was used to deepen our understanding of the Khmer.
“These allow guests to see how the city was laid out and provides a picture of the empire’s infrastructure,” Koons said. “They had developments that we still use today, including roads and hospitals and religious facilities.”
Those interested in a visual history lesson shouldn’t miss “Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia,” at the Museum’s Infinity Theatre, which gives a more in-depth story of the empire.
It’s was critical for organizers that the exhibit end with a look at modern Cambodia and the many ongoing efforts to reclaim pieces of their history that have been stolen and sold over the years. It shows that these sites are still vital to the Cambodian people and have always been.
“This is a part of the world that not many think of when they think about the major ancient civilizations,” Koons said. “Everyone knows about Egypt, but the Khmer Empire is a reminder that there are many important civilizations worth investigating.”
More information and tickets are available at www.dmns.org.
Denver Home Show Returns for Another Year of Inspiring Design
The ever-popular Denver Home Show is back from Friday, March 21 through Sunday, the 23rd at National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St. in Denver. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
According to provided information, this year’s lineup features more than 250 experts in kitchens and baths, flooring, windows, cabinetry, home décor and more, making it the perfect place to ask questions and get advice for your spring and summer projects. Craig Conover, star of Bravo’s “Southern Charm” will also be on hand as part of the festivities.
The show offers something for everyone, so get details at www.denverhomeshow.com/.
‘The Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Comes to Northglenn
William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s perpetual musical favorite, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” is coming to Northglenn’s Parsons Theatre, 1. E. Memorial Parkway, thanks to the Phamaly Theatre Company and Northglenn Arts, through Sunday, April 6.
Phamaly is a disability-affirmative company and so they have a few special performances during its run, including a “Relaxed Performance” (similar to sensory-friendly), Access Performances and a Masked Performance. There will also be special guests spellers like Miss Colorado, Denver 7’s Nicole Brady, CPR’s Ryan Warner and Drag Queen Jessica L’Whor.
More information and tickets are available at https://northglennarts.org/programs/northglenn-arts-presents/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Yasmin Williams at Swallow Hill
For some people, it’s difficult to get into instrumental music. But, if you find the right musician, instrumental works can be just as gripping as anything with vocals. Yasmin Williams is the right musician. She mixes up a brew of folk, progressive rock and even some jazz, and the end result is absolutely beautiful. Last year she released “Acadia,” and it was one of my favorite albums of the year. I’m certain it will sound beautiful in the spring weather.
In support of the album, Williams will be performing at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theatre, 71 E. Yale Ave. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 21. This will be an evening of masterful music, so get tickets at https://swallowhillmusic.org/event/yasmin-williams/.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.