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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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:
- 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.
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.
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