Construction commenced on the National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh in 1917 and inaugurated in 1920 during the French protectorate in Cambodia (1863-1953). This museum was designed by George Groslier, the son of French parents, who was born in Cambodia. It takes inspiration from traditional Khmer architectural style and decoration The museum houses the most important and largest collection of Khmer art. Most of its collection consists of religious artefacts, which were moved from their original temples for many reasons - for example, war and looting among others. Works of art date from the pre-historical period until the post-Angkorian period. Numerically, the main collections consist of stone, bronze, ceramics, and wood. There are relatively small numbers of textiles and paintings.