Tucked away in the creative heart of Battambang, Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) is more than an arts center, it’s a place where creativity transforms lives. Whether you’re a traveler, an art lover, or simply curious about Cambodia beyond the usual tourist paths, a visit to PPS offers a meaningful and unforgettable experience. Keep reading to hear how locals and tourists can find community at Phare Ponleu Selpak.
Experience Art with Purpose
When you attend a show or visit the campus, you’re not simply enjoying art. At PPS, you’re supporting a community that believes in building brighter futures through creativity. Every year, Phare supports more than 1500 youth through diverse programming.
Discover the Magic Behind the Performances
You may have heard of Phare The Cambodian Circus, but Phare Ponleu Selpak is where the story really begins.
At PPS, students train every day in circus arts, theater, music, and dance. In addition to learning techniques, students discover how to tell their own stories through performance. Spending time on the campus gives visitors a glimpse into this journey, from rehearsals to showtime.
If you’d like to explore more, guided tours are available on weekdays in Khmer, English, and French. You can join a morning tour (8:30–9:30 AM) or an afternoon tour (2:30–3:30 PM). Joining a tour offers a relaxed way to experience the campus, meet the community, and see creativity in action.
Explore a Vibrant Creative Community
Phare Ponleu Selpak is home to multiple schools, including visual and applied arts, performing arts, Phare Kindergarten, and Phare Public School. Combined, these schools create spaces where learning and creativity flourish simultaneously.
As you walk around the campus, you’ll notice how alive it feels:
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- Students sketching and painting
- Rehearsals in progress
- Murals and creative spaces full of life
- Children learning, playing, and discovering creativity at a young age
You might even find yourself stopping to watch a class, chat with a student, or simply take in the atmosphere. Life on campus is far from a staged experience—it’s real daily life.
Travel Responsibly
Support sustainable tourism by visiting PPS. We bridge the gap between cultural preservation and social development.
Where your contribution goes:
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- Empowering Public Education: We host a government K-12 school on our campus, providing the space and resources for 1,200+ students to learn every day.
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- Essential Social Support: Your support funds the "extras" that keep kids in school, including nutrition programs, healthcare, and family counseling.
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- Free Professional Arts Training: We offer 100% free vocational training in circus, music, dance, and visual arts, turning passion into professional careers for over 500 talented youth.
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- Preserving Khmer Culture: Your visit helps fund the revival of traditional art forms, ensuring that Cambodia’s rich heritage is passed down to the next generation.
Your visit is a powerful way to ensure that Cambodian culture thrives while providing the next generation with the tools to succeed.
Meet Inspiring Young Artists
Meeting the Students
One of the most memorable parts of visiting PPS is meeting the students. Whether they are practicing under the Big Top or in the art studio, their uplifting energy is contagious.
If you see students during their break, feel free to say hello or have a short chat! They are happy to share their stories and practice their language skills with visitors. Although many students come from challenging backgrounds, at Phare Ponleu Selpak, they can find the confidence to build professional careers.
A Note for Visitors: You are welcome to capture the magic of campus life! Photography is encouraged for adults, but we kindly ask that you always ask for permission first before taking photos or videos of our students and teachers at work.
A Unique Experience in Battambang
While Battambang is known for its relaxed charm, PPS adds a heartbeat of creativity you won’t find anywhere else.
What makes us unique:
- A Legacy of Healing: Founded by survivors to heal the community through art, we are a symbol of Cambodia’s incredible spirit and recovery.
- The Creative Hub: Our campus is the reason Battambang is known as the "Arts Capital" of Cambodia. You’ll see traditional music and modern circus training existing side-by-side.
- A Living Connection: This is a rare chance to see Cambodia’s past, present, and future come together in one vibrant, active space.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you join a guided tour, attend a performance, or simply explore the campus, your time at Phare Ponleu Selpak will leave a lasting impression.
- Book Your Tickets: Secure your spot for our campus tours or evening circus performances online at phareps.org/tickets.
- Get in Touch: Have questions about showtimes or group bookings?
- Email: [email protected]
- Telegram/Phone: +855 (0) 77 554 413
- Location: We are located in Anh Chanh Village, just a short tuk-tuk ride from Battambang city center.
Come with curiosity, leave with inspiration.
Visit Phare Ponleu Selpak—and discover how art can change lives.
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