Home to more than 25 unique museums, the city of Kuala Lumpur is a getaway for culture-lovers, with historical, cultural and scientific exhibitions on offer. Visitors looking to deepen their understanding of Malaysia will not be disappointed. Many of the city’s most popular museums relate to the vital history and culture of Malaysia. Other popular attractions include those focused on the country’s advancements in and contributions to technology and architecture.
National Museum of Malaysia
Located close to the Perdana Lake Gardens, the National Museum of Malaysia focuses on the rich history and culture of the country. The outdoor façade features traditional Malay architecture with a modern touch.
The three-story building was first opened in 1963 and has continually served as a repository for Malaysia’s many cultural and historical gems. Visitors can browse through four main galleries that display everything from traditional weapons to musical instruments, ceramics, costumes, flora, fauna and more. Additional galleries include the National Sports Gallery and the Natural History Gallery, both on the museum grounds. The venue holds regular exhibitions that look at diverse aspects of culture and heritage from Malaysia as well as from countries abroad.
Address: Muzium Negara, Jalan Damansara, 50566, Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +603 – 2267 1111
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 09:00 – 16:00
– (Closed on every 1st Monday of the month, 1st & 2nd Day of Aidilfitri & 1st day of Aidil Adha)
Admission Cost:
Locals
– 12yrs old & below: Free
– 13yrs old & above: RM2
– 55yrs old & above & Special needs: RM1
Non-Locals
– 5yrs & below: Free
– 6 – 12yrs: RM2
– 13yrs old & above: RM5
Website
National Textiles Museum
Located adjacent to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the National Textiles Museum is open daily and offers free admission to visitors. The original building was completed in 1905, formerly the headquarters of the Federated Malay States Railways. The museum itself was established in 2010 and consists of 2.5 floors and 3,145 square meters of exhibit space. A total of four galleries exists within the museum, each with an eye on the varying techniques of local textile development. The Pohon Budi Gallery is focused on tools and materials over the ages, while the Pelangi Gallery is focused on various types of batik. The Teluk Berantai Gallery includes various motif from flower designs and the Ratna Sari Gallery is focused on jewelry and features diamonds and gold crafts.
Address: Muzium Tekstil Negara, No. 26, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2694 3457/2694 3461
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 09:00 – 18:00
– (Closed on the first of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha)
Admission Cost:
Locals
– 6 – 12yrs old & Students in uniform: Free
– 13yrs old & above: RM2
– 55yrs old & above & Special needs: RM1
Non-Locals
– 6yrs & below: Free
– 6 – 12yrs old: RM2
– 13yrs old & above: RM5
Website
Malay World Ethnology Museum
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular museums, the Malay World Ethnology Museum contains an assortment of artefacts that hold unique relation to the Malay culture and its people. This includes galleries, dioramas, shadow-puppet shows and more. Visitors will find traditional arts and jewelry on display, as well as games and weaponry from Malaysia past. Dioramas focus on facets of everyday life for Malaysians over the decades, as well as depictions of traditional Malay villages, ceremonies, such as weddings and more.
Address: Jalan Damansara, 50566, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2267 1000
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 09:00 – 17:00
– (Closed on every 1st & 2nd Day of Aidilfitri & 1st day of Aidil Adha)
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
