The first attempts at preservation outside the local wat occurred with both French academics working in the early 1900s for the ..., and Prince Phetsarath in the 1950s as part of the early nationalist movement. International non-governmental organizations geared toward cultural preservation have been allowed to operate since the early 1990s, but are normally connectef to a particular ministry or government organization so their activities can be monitored. Most of Laos'cultural heritage is stored or protected in monasteries throughtout the country. Museums are few, with the Haw Pha Kaew in Vientiane, and the Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang housing much of the remaining Laos art and cultural items of significance.