Malaysia National Museum

The National Museum is located within walking distance from KL Sentral. If you are in Lake Gardens, you will be able to see the museum as it has a distinctive Minangkabau-styled roof. Walking from Lake Gardens will take you approximately 20 minutes to reach the museum. The museum contains vast artifacts and exhibits that trace the history of the nation of Malaysia.

This building was officially opened in August 31, 1963 by His Majesty the Third Yang diPertuan Agong of Malaysia. It has a Minangkabau-styled roof and two front murals. The murals of Italian glass mosaic highlights the significant events and crafts of Malaysia. There are 4 main galleries in the main museum.

The Minangkabau-styled architecture of the museum

Early History exhibits let you go back to the Permian Era and Pre-History Era. The discovery of Perak Man Skeleton is one of the main highlights in this section. Look out for the Dong Son Bronze Bell at The Bronze Age section. Pre-historic Burial shows the unique Log Coffin used by the natives centuries ago. The last section shows the artifacts found from the Bujang Valley, one of the early civilization site of Malaysia.

The Malay Kingdoms has sections such as Early Trade Routes, Malay Kingdoms, The Royal Throne, the legendary Hang Tuah Mural and Malay Traditional Weaponry.

The Colonial Era highlights the times when the Peninsular was under the rule of many colonial rulers. The Portuguese Era, the Dutch Era, the British Era, the Japanese Occupation, the Freedom Fighters and the Education System are shown here in greater details. A good place to learn about the history of this country.

Malaysia Today section exhibits the Education, Nationalist Movements, Malayan Emergency, Independence, Formation of Malaysia, Malaysian Culture and the Achievements of Malaysia.

Outdoor Display

The outdoor of the museum has big displays that you can visit without having to purchase any ticket. You will be able to see old cars, a replica of an old Malay palace, steam locomotive and bull carts.

Bull carts exhibit on display.

A Royal Malaysian Air Force Helicopter

Olden days boat

Intricate Bird-Carved Boat

National Museum Guided Tours

You can request for a guided tour of the National Museum and the surrounding galleries as there are volunteers who have signed up and have been trained to be guides for visitors. They have been trained in the history of Malaysia, Malacca Malay sultanate, Malaysian handicraft, ceramics and jewellery.

The one-hour scheduled guided tours in English is available at 10am everyday except Sundays & public holidays.

The one-hour scheduled guided tours in French is available at 10am on Tuesday and Thursday.

The one-hour scheduled guided tours in Japanese is available at 10am on Thursday & 3rd Saturday of the month.

The one-hour scheduled guided tours in Malay and Mandarin is available at 10am, Saturday during the school holidays.

If you are keen to have guided tour of the museum, make a reservation by calling +6 03 2267 1155 or email mvjmmqueries@gmail.com

The museum is also looking for more volunteers to help out as guides. You will be trained every Thursday morning for 3 months before being confirmed as a guide. Email or call using the contacts provided above to make an appointment.

Special Exhibition

This is a special exhibition located at the back of the National Museum. You can use the same entrance ticket to enter this exhibit. There are many exhibits that you can see depending on the theme and they vary from time to time.

Previous exhibits showed how our ancestors invented the weapons to hunt, defend and attack their enemies.

The Evolution of Weapons & World Humanity Exhibits

National Museum Weapons Evolution Entrance

Entrance to the special-themed exhibits with different theme throughout the year

Old cannons at the compound of the museum

Getting Here

Take the Kelana Jaya Line LRT, KL Monorail or KTM Komuter train and stop at KL Sentral Station. Use the pedestrian walking pathway and the museum can be reached in 15 minutes.

Another alternative is to take the KL Hop-in Hop-Off bus specially designed for tourists and stop at the museum at bus stop number 12.

If you drive, there is a big parking bay for you to park your car at a fee of RM3 per entry.

Operation Hours & Entrance Fee

The opening hour to visit the National Museum is from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily. It is closed on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidil Adha.

For locals, the entrance fee is RM2 for adult. Children below 12 years old do not have to pay. Free entrance is also given to children in school uniforms.

For foreigners, the entrance fee is RM5 for adult and RM2 for children 6-12 years old.

Address

Muzium Negara, Department of Museums Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur

Further information can be obtained by calling +603 2267 1155