Whether you’re a first time visitor or a long term resident, there are plenty of local museums for those to help you experience some of Malaysia’s rich history and culture. On the surface, Kuala Lumpur is a glittering and developed city filled with high rise skyscrapers and high tech amenities. But once you look closer, you can find all sorts of historical sites and artifacts as well as a vibrant artistic culture and community.
We’ve put together a list of the top 5 must-see museums and galleries in KL for you to visit. Whether you’re interested in the timeless beauty of Islamic art or fancy more modern contemporary artwork, these museums are sure to give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of what has made Kuala Lumpur into the city it is today.
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Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Home to some of the best collections of Islamic art in the world, the Islamic Arts Museum is the largest Islamic themed museum in Southeast Asia. Inside, you can find a number of amazing Islamic exhibits from all across the world, including traditional Islamic textiles, carpets, jewellery, and pottery.
Regular visitors might be interested to know that the Islamic Arts Museum runs a number of workshops and activities suited for adults and children alike. Aside from that, this museum also contains an excellent Middle Eastern restaurant for those interested in a taste of authentic Arabian food. Don’t forget to visit the Islamic Arts Museum gift shop on the way out – it sells beautiful and exclusive items from around the Islamic world.
Muzium Negara
Standing majestically in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Muzium Negara is a beautiful building featuring traditional Malay architecture. Upgraded in 2008, the national museum offers an interesting and interactive medium for visitors to explore the history of Malaysia – from the prehistoric era up till the modern age.
Some of the best exhibits include the Prehistoric Gallery, which contains artifacts from our ancestors who lived during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Aside from that, Muzium Negara contains several other galleries including the Malay Kingdoms Gallery, Colonial Era Gallery, and the Malaysia Today Gallery.
Petrosains Discovery Center
While most museums focus on the ancient past, Petrosains contains a more modern theme. Located on the fourth floor of the Petronas Twin Towers, Petrosains Discovery Center is a 7, 000 square meter interactive science discovery center dedicated to the field of petroleum science. They aim to present science and technology in a fun and entertaining way, providing a rich and stimulating environment aimed to enhance your child’s science literacy and passion for learning.
Arranged in an easy-to-navigate ‘museum-style’ concept, Petrosains is divided into 11 main interactive sections with themes that include that everything from space age exhibits to fossils. The main sections can be visited in any order, allowing you to go at your own pace and head straight for the things you know your kids will enjoy. The interactive feature of Petrosains’ exhibits, combined with a touch of theatrical and futuristic elements offer visitors a more constructive learning experience.
Orang Asli Craft Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of Malaysia’s aboriginal people, this cozy museum is the perfect place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about some of the country’s less well known cultures.
Located close to Muzium Negara, the Orang Asli Craft Museum similarly well organized, with a number of displays and exhibits to designed showcase the various Orang Asli tribes of Malaysia. You can also view traditionally handmade wood carvings and instruments that art lovers are sure to appreciate.
MAP Publika
Initially planned as a housing complex, MAP Publika was converted into a hub for arts and crafts of all kinds. MAP’s main spaces include the White Box and Black Box, and are supplemented by Publika’s Art Row, Outdoor Stage at The Square, and The Boulevard.
Buzzing with the pulse of KL’s contemporary art scene, MAP provides a place for arts and cultural producers from multidisciplinary backgrounds to develop their ideas while promoting compelling encounters to a broad audience. This space has played host to a diverse range of activities, including art exhibitions, fashion shows, music gigs, corporate events, community bazaars, lectures, seminars and workshops.
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