Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Museums in Malaysia are cultural treasure troves containing a wealth of diversity in the heritage of the nation. This covers the history, traditions, and forms of art prevalent in the nation. These museums give a hint of the multicultural identity of the nation. One such is the Islamic Art Museum Malaysia with a varied number of artifacts, historical documents, and fine art pieces. These tell the story of Malaysia from the past to the present. It also houses intangible heritage such as folklore, crafts, and oral traditions that need to be transferred as cultural memory.
Quick Details About The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Location: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM, daily
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia Ticket Price: RM 14 / ₹288 ( adults ), RM 7 / ₹145 ( students & seniors), free for children (6 & below)
Best Time To Visit: Year-round, but weekdays are preferable for a quieter experience
Location
Photo: Bluyten / Wikimedia Commons
The Islamic Art Museum Malaysia, situated in Kuala Lumpur-the capital city of Malaysia. Easily accessible through public transport, it is a short drive away from major attractions like Merdeka Square and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. Built in 1998, this museum occupies 30,000 square meters. It has one of the largest Islamic Art collections in Southeast Asia. Beyond its lovely collection, the museum is a unique architectural landscape, with domes, delicate tilework, and vast galleries. It also is a center for Islamic heritage, drawing scholars, pilgrims and art lovers from all corners of the world.
How To Reach
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: It can be found right in the city centre next to the Perdana Botanical Gardens, easily accessible by car, taxi, or ride-hailing services such as Grab. It’s about 60 km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and it takes about an hour by road.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kuala Lumpur Station (KTM Komuter), approximately 1 km away. Visitors can walk or catch a very short taxi ride to the museum. Also, the Masjid Jamek LRT station and Pasar Seni MRT station are both in the vicinity of the museum for more direct access through public transport.
Things To Do At The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Here are the best things to do at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia for the best experience in this museum:
1. Explore The Extensive Collection
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
The Islamic Museum of Arts boasts arguably one of the most extensive collections of Islamic artifacts in Southeast Asia. It has collections from Muslim world numbering more than 7,000 items. The museum has grouped its collections thematically, into galleries such as the Quran or Manuscripts Gallery, Architecture Gallery, Jewellery Gallery, and Arms and Armour Gallery. Visitors can view exquisitely decorated manuscripts of the Quran and artifacts from centuries past. These include ceramics, textiles, and metalwork from the Middle East, South Asia, and China. Models of monumental Islamic architecture are exhibited alongside replicas of the Taj Mahal and Al-Masjid al-Haram.
2. Admire The Stunning Architecture
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
Malaysia’s Islamic Arts Museum is an architectural marvel in itself that engulfs the gist and nuances of Islamic artistry. Grand domes, etched with geometric and scriptural patterns, take the type from archetypes of past Islamic architecture. The lofty galleries have breezes blowing through them, lighting coming in naturally, and archways barring high traverse coffer work. One of the highlights is the breathtaking inverted dome in the central atrium lined with elaborate motifs. It tells the tale of the harmony and unity in Islamic art. Besides, the museum is also decorated with traditional tiles, arabesque designs, and Mashrabiya-type windows, lending itself a pacifying atmosphere.
3. Join Workshops & Guided Tours
Photo: Nick-D / Wikimedia Commons
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia offers guided tours and interactive workshops designed to enhance visitors’ understanding of Islamic art, history and culture. Guided sessions by experts derive the enormous collections of the museum, from manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, and architectural models. It allows visitors to experience the art history in the following themes: calligraphy, Quranic arts, and Islamic crafts and learn methodologies through workshops. These workshops will include practical applications of the traditional technique of geometrical pattern-making, illuminated manuscripts into Arabic calligraphy. Programs designed for all ages can attract school groups and art enthusiasts as well as researchers.
4. Visit The Museum Gift Shop
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
The gift shop of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is filled with books, handicrafts, and art souvenirs. These are meticulously chosen for an ideal stop for those who wish to take an essence of Islamic heritage. The shop displays beautifully made calligraphy prints, miniature replicas of historical artefacts, and Islamic traditional decorative arts. Visitors can browse through academic books on Islamic history, architecture and culture. They can also see exclusive museum merchandise like postcards, stationery, and textiles. The shop provides an experience that is definitely different for art lovers and collectors.
5. Relax At The Museum Restaurant
Photo: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Set within the enchanting Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is an in-house restaurant where visitors can relax. They can savour Middle Eastern and Malaysian dishes amidst a calm atmosphere. They depart from Middle Eastern and Malaysian favourites to offer traditional dishes such as kebabs, slow-cooked hummus, biryanis, and other local delicacies. The refined setting and breath-taking views of the Perdana Botanical Gardens only serve to complement the great experience.
Places To Visit Near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Here are the best places to visit near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, which offers the best out of your trip in Malaysia:
1. Perdana Botanical Gardens
Photo: Carven Yong Jui Ming / Wikimedia Commons
Amidst the colourful throbbing life of Kuala Lumpur stands a refuge of peace, Perdana Botanical Gardens. Spread over a total area of 91.6 hectares, this gently landscaped setting has themed gardens, waterfalls, as well as well-planned walks. It is a home for Hibiscus Garden, Sunken Garden, and Laman Perdana. These provide some real enjoyment for all nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Such gardens also have abundant floral diversity, beautiful quiet ponds, and shady resting areas under a beautiful sky.
Location: Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Distance From The Museum: Approximately 500 meters
2. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
Photo: Stress 043 / Wikimedia Commons
The largest free-flight walk-in aviary is an absolute must for any nature and wildlife buff isKuala Lumpur Bird Park. It is set over more than 20 acres and houses over 3,000 birds from various local and foreign species. To provide a natural experience for visitors who love bird-watching, the feeding of birds is always interactive. Educational exhibits feature beautiful scenery resembling natural habitats. Bird shows, moments for taking photographs, and easy nature walks blend beautifully in harmony here.
Location: 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Distance From The Museum: Approximately 500 meters
Where To Stay
Photo: Jordiferrer / Wikimedia Commons
Kuala Lumpur’s abundance of accommodations near the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia includes budget hostels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. A few of the popular stays are Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and Alila Bangsar, only a short drive from the museum. For budget travellers, other options like guesthouses and boutique-style hotels found in Chinatown or KL Sentral. These provide inexpensive stays with basic amenities.
Where To Eat
Photo: Pauloleong2002 / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re interested, the museum also has a restaurant that presents Middle Eastern and Malaysian food in a tranquil ambiance. Just outside the museum, Kuala Lumpur is filled with a variety of eateries, from street vendors to fancy dining establishments. Some well-known dining outlets near the museum include the atmospheric Old China Café, the local favourite Restoran Yusoof & Zakhir, and fine-dining Middle Eastern restaurant Tarbush KL. Foodies could hit Jalan Alor for street food and Brickfields for authentic Indian food.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Nous / Wikimedia Commons
An indoor visit to the museum would be perfect during the hotter months of the city (March to September) and the rainy season (November to February).
Tips For Travellers
- Generally, allow for a good two or three hours to fully explore the museum.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the halls are very large and spread over many levels.
- Public transport is the easiest way to reach the museum, since parking can be hard to come by in the area.
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is a fascinating place to explore in terms of Islamic history, culture, and art. It is definitely the place for art and history lovers to visit. Allure and serene ambiance provide a meaningful experience with visitors from all walks of life. Be it a solo traveller or with family or as a scholar, this museum promises a deeper touch with the Islamic heritage. Plan effortlessly with TripXL for the best travel deals, guided tours, and seamless itineraries in Kuala Lumpur.
Cover Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
