The museum's design by architect Ho Kok Hoe was inspired by the architecture of the Malay royal palaces and vernacular Malay architecture. The design incorporated the need for exhibition and activity spaces. The large mosaic murals spanning the entrance depict the history and culture of the country. The floor of the central section of the main building is decorated with special tiles which were gifts from the government of Pakistan. In addition, UNESCO facilitated consultancies by museum experts from other museums around the world.
Displays and exhibits in the museum focus on local history, culture, and traditions, arts and crafts, economic activities, local flora and fauna, weapons and currency.
The museum houses various galleries, each with its own theme. The ground floor showcases the geographic and natural history of the Malay peninsula starting with the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age, Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms to the Muslim sultanate of Malacca. The ancient Malay Hindu–Buddhist states of Gangga Negara, Srivijaya and Majapahit are referenced. Among the collections are the stone Makara statue, the bronze Avalokiteshvara of Bidor, the model of Bujang Valley temple in Kedah, and also displaying the region's ancient legacy such as Javan Borobudur and Majapahit vessel. The exhibit continues to the later Muslim Sultanate of Malacca and the various states of Malaysia. The display demonstrates the importance of the Malaccan sultanate for Malaysian national identity. The second floor is dedicated to colonial history leading all the way to Independence. There are copies of the royal headgear of Malay rulers.
The Prehistory Gallery showcases the formation of the Malay Archipelago with findings of numerous important prehistoric archaeological sites in Malaysia. There's no need to book ahead, just be at the museum front desk about 10 mins before.Tours are in English - but tours in Malay, Mandarin, French, Japanese and other languages are also available for diversification.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
₹ 1,356.76
Time you can spend
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