NATIONAL MUSEUM

General Info

Malaysia’s National Museum is one of the top museums in the country. Also known as Muzium Negara, the National Museum is located in a stunning building with traditional Minangkabau and Malay styles in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1961 and completed in the year 1963, the museum has highlights from Malay culture and history and its front façade is lined with two massive murals of mosaic made with Italian glass.

Malaysia National Museum Attraction Tour

The National Museum is located in the proximity to KL Sentral and KL Lake Gardens and was built where Selangor Museum was located, which was mistakenly partially destroyed in bombing during World War II. The museum underwent a significant upgrade in the year 2008. It exhibits rich cultural and historical heritage of Malaysia. There are four galleries in the museum which cover 2 floors. Book Malaysia Holiday Tour Package to arrange your visit!

Prehistory Gallery

It traces the outcomes of archeological excavations and historical research. Its exhibits are 200,000 years old Paleolithic-era stone tools, replica of around 11,000 years old Perak Man skeleton, Neolithic poetry, Johor which was originated in 150AD from Vietnam, a Son Dong bronze bell found around Muar, and Bodhisattva sitting statue which is around 1000 years old.

The Malay Kingdoms Gallery

It exhibits evolution of early civilizations, Malay sultanates and kingdoms, significance of Malacca as trading port, and arrival of Islam.

Colonial Era Gallery

It exhibits the beginning of colonial era in 1511 with the Portuguese, then Dutch and British as well as their use of raw materials with tin mining, spice trade, and rubber. It also explains Japanese rule in WWII.

Malaysia Today Gallery

This gallery exhibits struggle for independence, the Malayan Emergency, the political system, the formation of Malaysia, and economic development of Malaysia.

Outdoor Exhibits

There are several exhibits you must check out in the grounds. It has replicas of transport modes over the centuries – a gharry from Melaka, a bullock cart, an Austin Seven, a trishaw first Proton Saga (first car made in Malaysia), old Dennis fire engine, and old carriage from cable car of Penang Hill (1923-1977).

It also exhibits three locomotives –

1. A made-in-England steam locomotive by Kitson & Co. operational from 1921 to 1969 on Kelantan East Coast line.
2. A diesel locomotive “Class 22” by English Electric Co. operational from 1971 to 2002.
3. Thomas! – A steam engine by W.G. Bagnall Ltd introduced in 1927 for dock shunting to Singapore as well as Port Swettenham till 1964.

Highlights

1. Visit main galleries & main hall
2. Know about the story of Malaysia
3. Organise events, weddings and exhibitions
4. Exhibits weapons, activities, culture and heritage in Malaysia
5. At the walking distance from the lake gardens
6. Display national movements, education, flora and fauna of Malay
7. Major focus on Dutch Era, British Era & freedom fighters
8. Traditional carts, Museum Volunteer Malaysia & central hall

Notes

1. Opening Hours - 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM (Daily)