Museums in KL.

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Bank Negara Money Museum

Housed within the Central Bank building, the Bank Negara Money Museum serves as a repository for the country's numismatic heritage.

Bank Negara Malaysia started issuing its own currency in 1967 and since 1979, it has been purchasing coins sporadically with the objective of setting up its own Money Museum.

Furthermore, as the Bank regularly receives many visitors each year, including school children and VIPs, the Bank felt it would also be desirable to display its collection and preserve the national heritage by having a public museum to show the evolution of money in the country from early to modern times.

The plan to have an authoritative depository for the Bank's growing numismatic collection became a reality with the opening of the Money Museum on 5 April 1989.

It was officially opened by Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, wife of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in conjunction with the thirtieth Anniversary of Bank Negara Malaysia.
An important aim of the museum is to disseminate knowledge pertaining to the evolution of Malaysian currency through its exhibitions and publications.
Coins, currency notes, tokens and other artifacts are displayed at the museum.

Central Bank of Malaysia
Jalan Dato' Onn, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2907461/2907575
Open:
9am - 4.30pm (Monday - Friday)
9am - 12pm (Saturday)
Closed: Sunday and Public Holidays
Admission: Free


Kuala Lumpur - Museums
National History Museum
Operating since April 4, 1996, the National History Museum houses exhibits of great import to Malaysian history.
A former commercial bank dating back to 1910, the National History Museum enables visitors to discover the wealth of Malaysia's historical heritage through its permanent exhibition of artifacts and materials. The Moorish features and Islamic motifs of this tri-level building blend well with the neighbouring Mogul buildings.
The Museum carries out museological activities such as research, collection, recording and publication in regard to the nation's treasures.
Among the important items displayed are the table on which the 1874 Pangkor Treaty was signed, and the First Federation of Malaya flag raised after the Union Jack flag was lowered signaling the independence of the Malay states from Britain on the night of August 31, 1957.
Exhibits include a 520 million-year-old metamorphic sandstone, a 40,000-year-old homo sapien skulls and an eight-sided gold coin dating back to the 15th century.
29, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2694 4590/2694 4591/2694 4592

Open: 9am - 6pm, daily
Admission: Free

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Textile Museum
Located within the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Textile Museum displays an interesting range of Malays'ianmade textiles from various states.

The Textile Museum was established to serve as a repository for Malaysia's textile heritage, it also plays a role in disseminating information to visitors regarding the usage, creativity and foreign influence evident in local Malaysian textiles. Its galleries offer visitors a glimpse into the art of batik printing, Malaysia's popular handicraft, songket and pua weaving. Among them are batik pelangi which incorporates the tie-resist method of decorating cloth practised by the Malays during the 18th and 19th century; kain dostar, a native fabric of the Lanun and Bajau tribe and puo kumbu, a prized traditional material of the lbans of Sarawak.
Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 03-2691 7136
Open: 9.30am - 6pm, daily
Admission: RM1

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Malaysian Armed Forces Museum

Malaysian Armed Forces Museum is located in the vicinity of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) complex at Jalan Padang Tembak.

The Malaysian Armed Forces Museum was established in 1985 to develop and maintain a national collection of historical material pertaining to Malaysian military history from 1933 to the present.
It has always been the Armed Forces' aspiration to set up an Armed Forces Museum since the early 1950s. However, the collection of artifacts for the museum only began in 1961 at the encouragement of General Tunku Osman Tunku Mohd Jewa.

JENERAL LEFTENAN JENERAL MEJAR JENERAL BRIGEDIER JENERAL KOLONEL

LEFTENAN KOLONEL MEJAR KAPTEN LEFTENAN LEFTENAN MUDA

PEGAWAI WARAN I PEGAWAI WARAN II STAF SARJAN

SARJAN KOPERAL LANS KOPERAL
Five galleries are devoted to specific areas designated for the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. It now houses an interesting collection of artifacts from World War II, the Communist Insurgency and Indonesian Confrontation. Military technology, heraldry and achievements of military commanders are among the exhibits displayed at the museum.

Here, the visitor will be able to catch a glimpse of Malaysia's military exhibits such as historical pictures, uniforms and decorations of the Malaysian armed forces, the Malaysian armory, naval guns, artillery, old canons, military aircraft and vehicles.

Jalan Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03- 2692 1333

Open: 10am - 4pm, daily.
Closed: Friday, Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji

Admission: Free

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Royal Malaysian Air Forces Museum

The Royal Malaysian Air Forces Museum was officially opened to the public on the 2 Jun 85 -- coinciding with the 27th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Malaysian Air Force -- by the Chief of Armed Forces Staff, Gen Tan Sri Ghazali bin Dato Mohd Seth.

It was a simple beginning for the Museum at the Sungai Besi Air Force Base. The inventory then consisted of only five aircraft as exhibits.

For two years the Musuem occupied half a hangar belonging to No 2 Sqn. So when the new base at Subang became operational in 1987, many units moved to Subang.


The Museum quickly laid claims to the Engineering Support Unit hangar next door and the building complex next to it, which used to accommodate the Heli FTS.

With such "luxurious" facilities, the Museum started its acquisition plan to bring back to the Air Force aircraft that were phased out since the early 1960s.

Only one aircraft, the Handley Page Herald 401 is yet to be acquired. Sadly, the Museum's effort to acquire A Herald from Channel Express (Air Services) Ltd who phased out their Herald fleet in 1999 was not successful. To date the Museum's collection consist of 17 aircraft.


The Museum has many exhibits and is beginning to run out of space. So most of the larger aircraft are parked outside in the open while the smaller and delicate ones occupy its only hangar. Two of the oldest aircraft from the early years before the formation of the RMAF are also being exhibited.

Currently, 18 aircraft are on display in the hangar and the Museum compound. Two of them, the Alouette III helicopter and the DHC-4 Caribou, however, are still in RMAF service.
Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer
Scottish Aviation Single Pioneer
Percival Hunting Piston Provost
Scottish Aviation Bulldog
Bell 47G-5 helicopter
de Havilland Dove
CAC Avon-Sabre jet
Cessna 310F
de Havilland Chipmunk
de Havilland Tiger Moth
Canadair CL41G Tebuan
North American Harvard
de Havilland Heron
HU-16 Albatross
A-4PTM Skyhawk
Westland Wasp
There are also items displayed such as photographs, articles, aircraft models, uniforms, mementos, engines, armament and communication equipment which depict the history and development of the Air Force in Malaysia.

Jalan Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-241 1133 ext. 4129/4198

Open:
8am - 4pm (Monday - Thursday)
8am - 5pm (Saturday)
10am - 5pm (Sunday)
Closed: Friday

Admission: Free

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Royal Malaysian Police Museum

Officially opened in 1961, the Royal Malaysian Police Museum displays some 2,500 items pertaining to crime and crime prevention. They include items related to gaming and lotteries, secret societies' lethal weapons, offences, crime charts, weapons surrendered or captured from communist insurgents, communist documents and photographs of the police force.

No. 5, Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2272 5689/2272 5690

Open: 10am - 6pm, daily inclusive Public Holidays
Closed: Monday.
Admission: Free
Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Biomedical Museum

It aims to be a central biomedical reference repository for Institute for Medical Research (IMR) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) which was establish in 1983. It is located ta Jalan Pahang,

The IMR Layout Model Plan is exhibited in the lobby of the museum together with posters of research highlights. Historical exhibits of instruments used by past researchers are also displayed in the lobby.

These include items such as a centrifuge, autoclaves, and there is also an educational model showing various habitats where different species of mosquitoes are found which have appropriately been labeled to inform the public about which vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, are transmitted by the mosquitoes shown.


The biomedical museum has two exhibition galleries. In the historical section, there are posters displaying the history of IMR with its achievements and research write-ups. There are also displays of photographs of past researchers and their research activities.

In this gallery too, there is a collection of antique laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, scales or balances and other small equipment. There are also preserved specimens of human organs showing various pathologies and these have appropriately been labeled and displayed in a special section.

There are also displays of several publications and annual reports from the years 1900 – 1929. The photographs of past Directors of IMR since 1900 are also on exhibit for the added interest and information of visitors.

The second gallery displays several posters showing current research findings and achievements of IMR since its beginnings in the 1900s. There are also displays of IMR souvenirs in celebration of the institute's 50, 75 and 100 years.

The museum specimen room has a collection of dry specimens of small mammals, such as rodents, squirrels, flying squirrels and flying foxes . There are also preserved wet specimens of reptiles, amphibians and mammals, such as snakes, frogs and bats . Some of these specimens have been displayed in the corridors between the galleries.

Researchers from the local institutions as well as from centres outside the country use the facilities of the biomedical museum as a source of reference with emphasis on the study of zoonotic diseases and their modes of transmission, as well as rodent control measures.

Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-298 6033

Open:
7.30pm - 4.45pm (Monday to Friday)
7.30am - 1.15pm (Saturday)
Closed: 12.15pm - 2.45pm, Friday

Admisson: Free


Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Asian Art Museum
Set up in 1973 the Asian Art Museum displays sculptures, collections of textiles originating from various Asi countries. The museum prorr research activities and contains some 2,000 volumes on Asian art films, slides and pictures for research purposes.

University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7957 1066/1

Open:
8.45am - 4.45pm (Monday - Friday)
8.45am - 12.30pm (Saturday)
Closed: Public Holidays
12pm - 2pm (Friday)

Admission: Free

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
MISC Museum

Set up by the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation in 1992, the MISC Museum is the first of its kind Malaysia. Located at the ground floor of Wisma MISC in Jalan Conlay, the Museum gives an insight into MISC's development as the national shipping line since its incorporation in 1968. The museum is divided into 12 sections, each dealing with a particular range of related subjects such as shipbuilding, ships of the world, communications at sea, history of ships in Malaysia, maritime laws and career at sea.

Wisma MISC, 2, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-242 8088

Open:
8.30am - 4.30pm (Monday - Friday)
8.30am - 12.30pm (Saturday)

Admission: Free

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Maybank Numismatic Museum

The Maybank Numismatic Museum is located on the first floor of Menara Maybank at Jalan Tun Perak. It is situated near Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in KL.

Set up in 1988, the Maybank Numismatic Museum was set up to preserve the country's currency heritage. It houses an impressive collection of coins and notes from the time of early Malaya until the present day.


There is a collection of local and regional coins and notes, and interestingly, some dating back to the Melaka Sultanate. The museum also serves as a centre for research into Malaysia's numismatic history.

Visitors are not allowed to take photographs, but there are postcards and brochures depicting the collection.

100, Jalan Tun Perak, 1st Floor, Menara Maybank, Kuala Lumpur (Situated near Pudu Raya Bus Terminal).
Tel: 03-230 8833 ext 3099

Open: 10am - 6pm, daily.
Closed: Public Holidays

Admission: Free

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Forestry Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)

Located on the sprawling grounds of the Forestry Research Institute Malaysia at Kepong, 15km from the city is the FRIM Museum. The arboretum was established in 1952 with the objective of collecting and displaying the different varieties of tree species found in the country.

The museum also serves to educate the public on Malaysia's rich forest heritage and exhibits the different species of wood, their use and products.Guided tours are available by prior appointment.

Museum Kepong, Selangor.
Tel: 03-6274 2633

Open:
8am - 4.15pm (daily)
8am - 12.45prn (Saturday)
Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays

Admission: RM3 per car

Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia located at Jalan Lembah Perdana houses various themed galleries. Among the galleries found here is the Islamic Architecture Gallery which showcases miniature replicas of renowned buildings such as the Taj Mahal, lmam lsmail Albukhary Mosque and Museum and the Amir Timur Mausoleum.


Apart from this gallery is the Standard Chartered Ottoman Room which displays objects from the reign of the Ottoman Empire of Turkey and Syria. In the AI-Quran and Manuscript Gallery is a collection of more than 200 Islamic manuscripts which include a 30-judz' AI-Quran from the Ming Dynasty.
Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2074 2020

Open: 10am - 6pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Closed: Monday

Admission: RM8


Kuala Lumpur - Museums
Telekom Museum

Standing among Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers at the junction of Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Gereja is a unique two story building of Neo Classical Greek architecture.

Built in 1928 to house the Central Battery Manual Telephone Exchange, this building with eight imposing pillars as its dominant feature was gazette for conservation in 1985 after the Prime Minister stepped in to stop it from being demolished to make way for a new 26 story office complex. Over 10 million was spent in its restoration.

The building itself was used as a telephone exchange in the old days. Today, this 70-year-old two-storey building contains eight imposing columns and features a sprawling 900 square metres of exhibition space. It is the first interactive museum in the country.
Known as the Museum Telekomunikasi Negara or National Telecommunications Museum it captures 120 years of telecommunications development, from the early days of the Morse Code Telegraph with its "ketuk-ketuk" to the cellular phones and digital networks of today.

Jalan Gereja, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-201 9966

Open: 9.00am - 5.00pm, Tuesday - Sunday.
Closed: Monday

Admission: Free


Kuala Lumpur - Memorials
P. Ramlee Memorial

Situated along Jalan P.Ramlee (formerly Caunterhall Road), this newly restored wooden house commemorates the late P. Ramlee, Malaysia's foremost entertainer.

Built originally in 1926 by his father and uncle, the house had previously undergone succesive repairs before being taken over by the National Archives as an extension of its P.Ramlee Memorial project in Kuala Lumpur.


The legacy of Malaysia's talented and versatile actor, director, singer and composer, P. Ramlee, is well-documented for posterity in this memorial. The memorial is established on 27 February 1984.

The memorial which is housed at the former residence of the late versatile artiste, is specially dedicated for his vast contributions in performing arts. The house is carefully furnished to resemble the original setting of his youth.


The exhibits are displayed within six sections of the house, each covering a different perspective of the artist's life and work. On display are exhibits and audio-visuals on his involvement in music and films, personal items and achievements.

The displays inside and outside the house features the main living areas and also the life history of P.Ramlee. Various artifacts include his personal memorabilia related to his life in Penang, and items belonging to his family.


The memorial is maintained by Arkib Negara Malaysia (Archive of Malaysia).
22, Jalan Dedap, Taman P.Ramlee, KL
Tel: 03-4023 1131

Open: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Closed: Monday, except Public and School Holidays

Admission : Free


Kuala Lumpur - Memorials
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial


The Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial, located at Jalan Dato' Onn, is dedicated to the memory of Malaysia's first Prime Minister, YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.

The late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra AI-Haj, who is also known as Malaysia's "Father of Independence" is a great leader and statesman instrumental in achieving independence for the nation from the British.
The memorial showcases the many aspects of Malaysia's first prime minister. It offers visitors a deeper insight into the life of a respected world leader and his legacy that continues to inspire the present. It also serves as a permanent custodian for all archival, museum and library materials of the Tunku as he was fondly called by Malaysian's.

The exhibition space of the memorial covers 120,000 sq. meters and has massive collection of museum items including the Tunku's archived materials, mementos, books and letters. The memorial provides extensive information about the Tunku and his achievements.


Visitors and researchers are able to view the materials on display and also conduct research into the life and times of this enigmatic statesman. Slide shows are held at the mini theatre.

The monument, which sits on 7.5 acres of landscaped garden, was the residence cum office of the late Tunku during histenure as prime minister.


Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2694 7277

Open: 10am - 5.30pm (Tuesday - Sunday)
Closed: Monday (except School Holidays and Public Holidays)
12.15pm - 2.45pm (Friday)

Admission: Free


Kuala Lumpur - Memorials
Tun Abdul Razak Memorial

Further down the road from the Deer Park is the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial, once the official residence of Malaysia's second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato' Hussein, who was popularly known as "The Father of Development".

Built in October 1961, the current Tun Abdul Razak Memorial used to be the official residence of Malaysia's second Prime Minister until his death in 1976. This house, known as Sri Taman, was later occupied by the country's third Prime Minister, Tun Hussein Onn.

This impressive building holds a wide collection of Tun Abdul Razak personal and official memorabilia, gathered during his tenure as Prime Minister from 1970-1976. There are also some also gifts, souvenirs and mementos that Tun Abdul Razak received in his lifetime.

The interior displays his rooms set with original furniture and his private collection of walking sticks. Outside is his speed boat and golf cart.


Sri Taman, Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur (vicinity of Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens)
Tel: 03-2691 2246

Open: 10am - 5.30pm (Tuesday - Sunday)
Closed: Monday (except School Holidays and Public Holidays),
12.15pm - 2.45pm (Friday)

Admission: Free