Kuala Lumpur Culture & Heritage

National Museum

Located on the fringe of the Lake Gardens, the National Museum is the leading museum in the country, serving as a repository for Malaysia's rich cultural heritage and history.

Styled like a traditional Malay palace, the National Museum has a remarkable facade of two large murals which portray scenes of Malaysia's colourful past and rich culture.

Within the walls of the National Museum are well-designed displays and exhibits on local history; culture and traditions; arts and crafts; economic activities; local flora and fauna; weapons and currency.

The National Museum houses various galleries, each with its own theme. The Historical Gallery traces the different periods in the history of Peninsular Malaysia. The Cultural Gallery showcases Malaysian culture from common everyday pastimes to important ceremonial customs.

Included in the exhibits are a Malay wedding scene, a royal circumcision ceremony, and a presentation on the heritage of the Straits-born Chinese. The Metalwork and Musical Instruments Gallery showcases various objects and utensils from kitchenware and ceremonial ornaments to weapons and traditional instruments of Malaysian music.

Decorating the exterior compound of the National Museum are old locomotives, vintage cars and other relics of transport from days gone by. Reconstructed Malay palaces from others parts of the country also grace the expansive grounds. The National Museum holds regular theme-based exhibitions featuring specific aspects of life and culture from all over the world.

Opening hours: Daily from 9.00am - 6.00pm

National History Museum

Since its inception in 1996, the National History Museum prides itself with a multitude of exceptionally important exhibits from Malaysian History.

Here, visitors can discover the wealth of Malaysia's historical heritage through exhibits like the table on which the 1874 Pangkor Treaty was signed and subsequently led to the British's interference in the administration of the Malay states; and the First Federation of Malaya flag symbolizing independence of the Malay states from Britain on August 31, 1957.

Other interesting artefacts include a 520-million year old 'metamorphic sandstone', a homo sapien skull dating back 40,000 years and a 15th century 8-sided gold coin.

Apart from the wealth of exhibits, there's also the National History Museum's architecture which is based on Moorish architecture circa 1800.

The National History Museum opens daily from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

Islamic Arts Museum

Immerse in the beauty of Islamic arts and the great civilization that inspired it. The Islamic Arts Museum is the first in the region to be exclusively dedicated to Islamic art.

Distinctively Islamic, the mosque has four magnificent domes. Unique in its design, there is a fifth dome that can only be seen from the inside.

Various galleries are dedicated to architecture; Islamic manuscripts; ceramics and glassware; metalwork; arms and armours; textiles and coins. The Islamic arts of the Moghuls of India; the Muslim minorities of China; and the Malay Archipelago are also featured.

The Islamic Arts Museum is open from 10.00am - 6.00pm daily, except on Mondays, when it is closed. Its located on Jalan Perdana overlooking the National Mosque.

National Art Gallery

Established with a humble beginning and a modest collection of 4 donated artworks in 1958, the National Art Gallery has grown into a national art icon in Malaysia and within the region.

As Malaysia's official art institution, the National Art Gallery has been a key supporter of Malaysian artists through local and international exhibitions since the early sixties.

Boasting 2,500 permanent pieces of artworks, visitors can expect to appreciate art pieces belonging to notable local and international artists. It also features experimental works and touring exhibitions. Malaysia's Art Gallery is a compulsory destination for all visiting art aficionados.

The Malaysian National Art Gallery is open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm including Public Holidays.

Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex

Styled like a Malay village, this complex at 63 Jalan Conlay offers the best in local ethnic handicrafts under one roof.

The range includes chic batik outfits in contemporary designs; beautifully weaved songket material; ornaments and decorative items of silver and brass; silver filigree jewellery; and local pottery.

At Kuala Lumpur's Craft Complex, you may try your hand at making batik!

Among the other activities available are
Craft Museum to view handicraft products and artefacts of Malaysian craft traditions

Craft Village to watch and participate in craft demonstrations

Artists' Colony where local Malaysian artistic talents express themselves through Malaysian based themes

Karyaneka Craft Boutique to buy Malaysian handicrafts

Ramlee Memorial

The late Tan Sri P. Ramlee - actor, director, singer and composer extraordinaire was known for his invaluable contributions to the Malaysian music and film industry.

Built in 1926 by P. Ramlee's father and uncle, the memorial is originally P. Ramlee's residence. After several restorations, P. Ramlee's residence was taken over by the National Archives and included as part of the P. Ramlee Memorial project in Kuala Lumpur.

The displays inside and outside the house features the main living areas and also the life history of the late singer, actor, composer and director.

Various artifacts on display include his personal memorabilia related to his life in Penang, and items belonging to his family. These artefacts are displayed within six sections of the house, each showcasing a different phase of the artist's life and work. The memorial is intricately furnished to resemble as close to its original state. There is also an in-house theatre, where visitors can relive P. Ramlee's astounding performances and documentaries.

Opening times:
Daily except Mondays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

'Dataran Merdeka' or Merdeka Square

Literally translated as "Independence Square", Dataran Merdeka is an excellent locale to journey into KL's past.

It was here that the Union Jack was lowered on 31st August 1957, signifying the end of British colonial rule. And at that moment, in front of thousands of thrilled Malaysians, Tunku Abdul Rahman led the famous chant: "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!" (Independence!) indicating Malaysia's independence as a nation.

Today, a 100-metre high flagpole proudly flies the Malaysian flag as a symbol of the historic independence day.

The Padang or field here was the focal point of KL in the old days, serving as a police parade ground and venue for cricket and other sporting activities. The beautifully landscaped square provides impressive views of the city skyline.

Overlooking the square is the Selangor Club. Originally built around 1890, this charming mock-Tudor structure used to be a watering hole for Kuala Lumpur high society.

KL Railway Station

This railway station built in 1910 of Moorish architecture, which features arches, domes and minarets, creates what some has described as a Byzantine Arabian Nights' fantasyland.

The railway constructed to link KL to Klang on the coast, started a network that eventually covered the whole country.

Equally splendid is the Malayan Railway Headquarters overlooking the railway station.

Petronas Art Gallery

The Petronas Art Gallery, a centre for elegant international class of fine arts, is situated at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). This gallery features both local as well as foreign artists.

An 'Experimental Space' is also included to encourage innovation and experimentation in art. This platform promotes vibrant art forms and applications emerging globally.

Formalised as a borderless venue of self expression, the 'Experimental Space' at the Petronas Art Gallery awards the freedom needed for new age artists to liberate their creativity and artistic concepts.

Visitors with a high appreciation for artistic values will find the Petronas Art Gallery an experience to remember.

The Petronas Art Gallery is open daily (except Fridays) from 10.00am to 8.00pm.

Ethnic Crafts

Visit the Craft Complex, Central Market and shopping complexes for a fascinating assortment of Malaysian ethnic crafts.

Batik - Malaysia is famed for its batik, a versatile fabric featuring hand-painted or block motifs available in traditional and contemporary designs.

Choose from the beautiful range of sarongs, pareos, shirts, dresses and scarves in precious silks and colourful cottons.

They are also available as cushion covers, tablecloth, napkins and place mats.

Silver - Malaysian silver has been fashioned into beautiful filigree jewellery, available in a myriad of intricate adornments such as brooches, bracelets, pendants, necklaces and earrings. Silver tableware includes beautifully crafted tea-sets, tray and bowls.

Pewterware - Exquisitely crafted pewterware is available as beer tankards, goblets, tea and coffee sets, picture frames, clocks vases and other decorative items.

Woodcarvings - Kuala Lumpur offers a range of fascinating woodcarvings. These include the aboriginal woodcarvings of the orang asli or indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia. Also in abundance are woodcarvings from Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.

Pottery and Ceramic - These beautifully crafted pieces come mainly from the states of Sarawak and Perak. Sarawak pottery is easily distinguished by their unmistakable ethnic markings and come in a range of vases from big to small. Those from the village of Sayong in Perak, usually black in colour, were originally used as water containers. A drink of water from the labu, or jar in Malay, is cool and refreshing. However, they are now also fashioned as vases.

Weaved Pandanus - Products made from pandanus or woven screwpine leaves make beautiful gifts and souvenirs. They include practical and elegant bags, which come in a variety of designs and colours. There are also floor mats, table mats, trinket boxes and gift boxes in attractive contemporary designs.

Songket - Malaysia brocade that is intricately handwoven with silver or gold threads. Rich and heavily embroidered, the cloth makes superb evening gowns. Songket hangbags and purses are also available