National Museum Of Malaysia

If you are a history aficionado and interested in learning about the past and cultural heritage of Malaysia, then you must visit the National Museum Kuala Lumpur. The museum is located next to the Perdana Lake Gardens and exhibits the perfect fusion of conventional and contemporary Malay designs. There are four permanent galleries allotted to natural history and ethnology and one temporary gallery that is opened when there are special exhibitions. The collection there spans years of human creativity across all cultures and beautifully fuses present and past.

The museum's exhibitions and displays include local arts and crafts, weaponry, flora and wildlife, ceramics, musical instruments, and costumes. From beautiful statues to folk paintings, the art on display in the museum is a diverse gateway into the rich culture of Malaysia's past. The central hall of the National Museum of Malaysia is an architectural masterpiece with marvelously carved panels on the wall and geometrically designed mosaic tiles. Another major attraction of the museum is Istanu Satu, a Terengganu timber palace that has been preserved by the administration in its original form. There is also an outdoor exhibit that showcases traditional forms of transportation and modern automobiles.

Galleries At National Museum

The National Museum of Malaysia has become the embodiment of Malaysia's rich history and culture. It has four impressive galleries covering two floors of the museum. In the PreHistory gallery, you’ll trace Malaysia's biological and geographical development from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. The Malay Kingdoms gallery gives an insight into the emergence of Malay sultanates and kingdoms, and the Colonial Era Gallery has large replicas of forts built by the Dutch and British during colonialism. Malaysia Today Gallery recites stories about the Malayan Emergency and the formation of Malaysia.

Prehistory

Prehistory Gallery recites the four-billion year old story of the process behind the Earth's formation. You can learn about Earth and its prehistoric past through engaging displays, stunning fossils, hands-on features, and science-inspired art. Exhibits include Neolithic pottery, Hoabinhian and Palaeolithic-era stone tools. The highlight of the gallery is the replica of Perak Man, the oldest human skeleton in South East Asia that was found approximately 10,000 – 11,000 years ago.

Malay Kingdoms

Get to know about the emergence of Malay Kingdoms and the rise of Islam by heading to the Malay Kingdoms Gallery. This gallery mainly focuses on the Malay Malacca Sultanate, which shaped the social, cultural, and political systems of the Malay Peninsula. You can see here various artifacts, including weaponry, currency, jewelry, and statues. The artifact of the Avalokiteshvara statue is the most important collection in this gallery inside National Museum Kl.

Colonial Era

This is the most interesting gallery of National Museum KL that features large replicas of forts and structures set up by the British and Dutch during colonialism in Sabah, Malaya, and Sarawak. The gallery also showcases the effects of colonialism and the changes it has brought to the political, social, and economic aspects of the country. You can see here the weapons and currencies used during the period of colonization.

Malaysia Today

At Malaysia Today Gallery, you can see various interesting items that give you a glimpse of the struggles that the national figures had to undergo to achieve independence. It also highlights the achievements enjoyed by the country post-independence and today's important events. Some of the important documents that you can see here include the letter of appointment of the XIV Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Know Before You Go To National Museum Of Malaysia

Essential Information

Facilities

History

Design

- Location: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jln Damansara, Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (remains closed on every 1st Monday of the month)

- How to Reach:- By Bus: Take Rapid KL bus No. 115 from KL Sentral and get down at Muzium Negara bus stop. From Muzium Negara, you'll have to walk for around five minutes to reach the National Museum Of Malaysia.- By MRT: Take MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang to Muzium Negara. The museum is situated outside Muzium Negara MRT station's Entrance B.

- Best Time to Visit:The best time to visit the National Museum of Malaysia is during its opening hours as the crowd is less, and you can explore the museum and see various exhibits at your own pace. If you can, then you must plan your visit during the weekdays instead of weekends when the place is sparsely populated.

The National Museum of Malaysia has a cafeteria where you can enjoy lip-smacking sandwiches, snacks, and refreshing beverages.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and an elevator is also there for guests with wheelchairs.
A shop is located near the exit on the ground floor from where you can buy souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family.
Separate toilets are available for male and female visitors.

The Perak Museum, Taiping, was founded by the British government in 1883, marking the beginning of its history.
Before building the National Museum, Selangor Museum existed at the current spot of the museum.
During World War 2, the museum's right-wing and important collections were destroyed. This led to the formation of a new museum named Muzium Negara on the orders of Tunku Abdul Rehman, the former Prime Minister.
Mr. Ho Kok Hoe was appointed to design the architecture of the museum on the ruins of the Selangor Museum.
Its construction began in 1962, and on August 31, 1963, the building was opened to the public.

The design of the National Museum of Malaysia is inspired by traditional Malay palaces.
It is a three-story structure built in the Rumah Gadang style, an important aspect of Minangkabau architecture.
The building is supported by twenty-six concrete columns modified to retain traditional Malay palace features in which 13 columns are in the east wing and another 13 in the west.
Two giant murals of Italian glass mosaic have been placed on the front facade of the museum.

FAQs Of National Museum Of Malaysia

No, there is no dress code required for entry in the National Museum Kuala Lumpur, however, it is best to avoid wearing revealing dresses or ultra-short shorts.

On the ground floor of the National Museum Kuala Lumpur, there is an outdoor exhibition that focuses on the advancement of transportation over the years. You can see various transportation items that have been used over the decades, including a gharry from Melaka and a bullock cart. Besides, there is a trishaw, an old Dennis fire engine, an Austin Seven, the first Proton Saga, and an early carriage from the Penang Hill cable car.

Inside the National Museum Kl, there are four permanent galleries dedicated to natural history and ethnology. The names of four galleries that are inside the museums are Pre History, Malay Kingdoms, Colonial Era and Malaysia Today.

You'll need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the National Museum Kl, as it has various exhibits and interesting activities on offer. It has four permanent galleries and outdoor exhibitions, and you must have ample time to see them.

Yes, you can take pictures at the National Museum Kl for personal use. For commercial purposes, you must take permission by writing to the Director of Museums Malaysia.

National Museum Of Malaysia