Latest news with #MuziumNegara
The Star
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Taking a peek into the past
KUALA LUMPUR: Usually a quiet place space for reflection, Muzium Negara was bustling with a diverse crowd drawn by free admission for International Museum Day. Visitors yesterday, including schoolchildren, tourists, and history buffs, explored its extensive collection – some seeking knowledge, others nostalgia and a few simply curious to view artefacts. 'I've never been here before,' said Cynthia, accompanied by her husband Thomas and their son. 'Something about the museum being open to all, no entry fee, just felt welcoming.' Surprisingly, it wasn't ancient weapons or royal regalia that captivated her, but a centuries-old metal handbag labelled 'Dompet Bertali' or Pillow Purse. A visitor at Muzium Kota Johor Lama reading up on its history and the museum's role as a significant centre ofMalay rule after the fall of the Melaka Sultanate in 1511. Its delicate plant engravings and long strap gave it a strikingly modern look. 'It's the kind of handbag I'd actually wear. It's vintage and elegant,' she exclaimed, wishing for replicas in the gift shop. Muzium Negara, like many museums across the country, opened its doors for free yesterday, part of a wider national initiative involving 19 museums under the Museums Department. The goal was to get people to reconnect with history, and perhaps see their past in a new light. Zaliza Mustapha, a local visitor in her 20s, was particularly drawn to a wooden statue of a man – long-haired, round-bellied, barefoot and unbothered. 'Ah, that's the sign of prosperity back then, huh? That's the man women!' her laughter echoed through the gallery, drawing amused glances from other visitors nearby. 'It's things like this that make you realise how far and how little we've changed. Beauty standards, power symbols ... they evolve, but they always reflect the times.' Nearby, tiny animal figurines made of silver – one resembling a rooster mid-strut, the other an insect with curved legs and a stout body – caught people's attention and surprised them, as these were once used as currency in Selangor. Shafinaz Syed Malik, 33, taking a wefie with herfamily at Muzium Perak. — Bernama 'I always assumed old currency was just boring coins,' said Muhammad Afif, a mechanical engineer who visited with his family. 'It's like people back then didn't separate function from beauty. Even their money had personality. Imagine that rooster sitting in someone's pocket on the way to the market,' he chuckled. While the artefacts delighted many, others were drawn to the museum's more recent history. The original 1976 Asean Concord – signed in Denpasar, Bali, by leaders including Malaysia's Tun Hussein Onn, Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and the Philippines' Ferdinand Marcos – is displayed alongside a translated declaration affirming the bloc's commitment to peace, law and regional cooperation. 'It's powerful. To see the actual signatures of these leaders ... it reminds you that unity doesn't just happen. Someone has to decide it's worth the effort,' said another visitor, Karim Abdul Rahman, a retired teacher. Throughout the museum, families took photos, children asked questions and older visitors reminisced. 'In a digital world, there's something grounding about walking through history physically – seeing the weight of time not as pixels, but as metal, wood, cloth and ink,' Karim added. In another corner, a group of foreign tourists huddled around a striking display of two large, boat-shaped congkak boards, carved into the form of birds. 'We saw a post about International Museum Day on social media,' said Peter, a visitor from the Netherlands. 'We waited specifically to come today. It's such a lovely way to spend the afternoon.' The vibrant, bird-shaped congkak boards particularly captivated younger visitors, prompting explanations of the traditional Malay game. By midday, the museum was abuzz with visitors, as hundreds queued to experience the stories, artefacts and quiet grandeur within its halls. Museum staff moved between groups, offering explanations about the exhibits, while translators were on hand to for foreigners. Muzium Negara also organised a range of activities for visitors throughout the day. These included traditional games, STEM activities, DIY workshops and cultural performances like the Magunatip bamboo dance, all of which added a vibrant touch to the celebration.
The Star
18-05-2025
- The Star
International Museum Day buzz draws crowds to Malaysian museums
Marking International Museum Day, thousands of visitors from near and far seized the chance to time-travel through Malaysia's rich history and heritage at museums across the country. A total of 19 museums under the supervision of the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) were opened free of charge today to the public in conjunction with the celebration. In Kuala Lumpur, Muzium Negara (National Museum) began to fill with local visitors and foreign tourists as soon as it opened at 9am, all eager to explore the trove of the nation's history and heritage on display. Siti Jumiah Abdul Razak, Muzium Negara assistant curator, said that as an added attraction, volunteer tour guides fluent in various languages were provided for visitors, in addition to traditional performances and the opening of the Asean Gallery in conjunction with Malaysia's chairmanship this year. The Perak Museum in Taiping, Malaysia's oldest museum built in 1883, showcases the state's history. Photo: Bernama A tourist from New Zealand Beli Harvey, 26, who arrived in Malaysia last Friday, said he was excited when informed that the museum was open for free in conjunction with today's International Museum Day. "I am aware of the International Museum Day but I didn't expect the entrance was free, it was a nice surprise. Also, the diversity of this country really taught me well through my visit here,' he said. In Selangor, the Sultan Alam Shah Museum in Shah Alam became a focal point for parents to bring their children to spend the weekend with educational family-friendly activities. Private sector employee Hani Hairi, 46, who came with her 14-year-old twins, said the visit gave her children the opportunity to get to know history more closely in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. In Johor, local and international visitors flocked to Kota Johor Lama Museum to explore the historic city that once served as a key government centre after Melaka's fall in 1511. Photo: Bernama "My children are excited because it's been a long time since they visited a museum. I used to bring them when they were small, so now that we have time on the weekend, we came to see the exhibitions here," she said. In Negri Sembilan, the Army Museum in Port Dickson became a popular destination for visitors, including Mohd Khairil Abidin, 45, who brought his five children after learning about the free admission through Facebook. In Melaka, the free admission opportunity was lapped by visitors, including Siti Hafizah Yusop, 40, from Durian Tunggal, Alor Gajah, who came with her husband and four children to the Malaysian Architectural Museum. "Indeed, it is very interesting, and visiting museums not only provides exposure to history and culture but also strengthens family ties through beneficial activities," she said. Malaysia's museums are closely tied to the nation's rich multi-racial story. Photo: Bernama In Johor, the Kota Johor Lama Museum in Kota Tinggi was visited by local and international visitors to learn about the history of the historical city that was once an important centre of government after the fall of the Melaka Sultanate in 1511. A tourist from Riau, Indonesia, Rashid Tain, 65, was among the visitors who came for the first time with his family to the museum. In Pahang, the Sungai Lembing Museum recorded the presence of 213 visitors as of 11am, with activities such as traditional tin ore panning being a major attraction. Museum head Peterson Augustine said the inclusive, hands-on approach helps spark youth interest in the area's mining heritage. At Muzium Negara, the crowd arrived early to explore its four main galleries and other attractions. Photo: Bernama In Perak, the public did not miss the opportunity to visit the Perak Museum in Taiping, which also offered free admission today. In Kedah, the Kota Kuala Kedah Museum in Alor Setar also received a large number of visitors. Located at the Kedah River estuary, the museum highlights the 18th-century fort's defense history, featuring artefacts, ceramics, original bricks, and accounts of colonial attacks by the Bugis, Aceh, and Siam. In Perlis, the Kota Kayang Museum, offering free admission since 2001, drew a enthusiastic crowd for International Museum Day. Kota Kayang Museum Assistant Norhayati Wahab said that this year's celebration was quite lively, and the museum plans to organise activities with school students at the end of this month as a continuation of the celebration. - Bernama
The Star
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Here's a list of Kuala Lumpur museums to explore this Museum Day
This Sunday (May 18), make International Museum Day your reason to explore. Whether you're a museum regular or just looking for something different to do, step into a gallery – you might just walk out inspired. The good news for museum lovers nationwide is that all 19 museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) will be open for free this Sunday. That includes crowd favourites like the Muzium Negara (National Museum), the National Automobile Museum in Sepang (Selangor), the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Kedah, and the Malaysia Architecture Museum in Melaka. In a recent social media post, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang encouraged Malaysians to explore the richness of the nation's history, cultural diversity, and the spirit of unity that lies at the heart of its identity. 'From north to south, east to west, museums are where the legacy of the past meets the aspirations of the future – connecting communities through unity and a shared love for history. Let's visit JMM museums across the country and celebrate our heritage together,' he said. Take your pick and plan a visit to any of the museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia – there's something for everyone to discover. If you're planning a day out in the Kuala Lumpur, here are six museums to put on your list: Visitors view the 'Congkak Burung Petalawati' exhibit at the 'Semangat Asean' regional showcase in Muzium Negara (National Museum). Photo: Bernama MUZIUM NEGARA (NATIONAL MUSEUM) With galleries on archaeology, culture, economy, and modern history, Muzium Negara offers an overview of Malaysia's story – complete with life-sized dioramas and artefacts, from traditional weapons to national records. It's a great stop for families, students, or anyone curious about the country's roots. This Sunday, check Muzium Negara's social media for planned activities like multilingual guided tours, traditional games, and dance performances. While you're there, pop by the nearby Ethnology of the Malay World Museum and Orang Asli Crafts Museum too. The 'Oceans That Speak' exhibition in IAMM explores cultural exchanges that shaped the Malay world in the region. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA (IAMM) One of the largest and most beautiful museums in Malaysia, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) houses over 7,000 artefacts – from manuscripts and jewellery to textiles and intricate architectural models. The building itself is a work of art, with elegant domes, open courtyards, and calming natural light. The ongoing exhibition Oceans That Speak: Islam And The Emergence Of The Malay World traces the country's origins and the spread of Islam across the region. Don't miss IAMM's Museum Open Day on May 21 (next Wednesday), when the international standard space will come alive with booths, performances, curator-led tours, and more. Through private collections, the UR-MU museums offer art lovers a gallery experience that blends thoughtful curation, art history, and a sense of fun. The Star/M. Irsyad UR-MU (URBAN MUSEUM) Private art museums are still a relatively new addition to downtown Kuala Lumpur, and UR-MU is leading the charge with three distinct spaces across the city. Blending contemporary art with KL's creative energy, UR-MU showcases a mix of local and international works – from paintings and Reformasi-era pieces to playful, Insta-worthy multimedia art and 1990s highlights from the Pakhruddin Sulaiman collection. During Museum Week (May 13–18), UR-MU is offering free guided tours to help visitors dive deeper into the exhibitions. On May 16, all three locations – Bukit Bintang, The Toffee (Raja Chulan) and +n by UR-MU (Jalan Tun HS Lee) – will be open to the public for free. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fresh and urban, UR-MU is well worth the trip to the city. An array of kebaya exhibits, including the iconic Malaysia Airlines uniform, seen at the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin NATIONAL TEXTILE MUSEUM This museum, though modest in size, weaves together the story of Malaysia's textile heritage. From the intricate art of batik to the rich traditions of songket and pua kumbu, it highlights how fabric has shaped identity and culture across the country. The galleries are thoughtfully arranged, featuring traditional garments, tools, and weaving techniques. It's a fascinating stop for anyone interested in fashion, design, or cultural history. Conveniently located near Dataran Merdeka, the National Textile Museum makes for a welcome detour on a city walk. A view of the 'Palette And Pen' exhibition at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY No need to worry about admission here – entry is free. Housed within Malaysia's central bank, this unique museum blends finance, art, and culture in one engaging space. The galleries present the nation's monetary history in a fun, interactive way, making it ideal for both children and adults. Currently on show at Level 2 is Numismatic Marvels, an exhibition tracing the evolution of currency – from the world's first coin and earliest banknotes to cowrie shells. It also brings to life the stories of 20 ancient South-East Asian kingdoms through coins and currency. Literature and art also come together in Palette And Pen, a new exhibition that explores the creative intersections between Asean visual art and writing. A view of the 'Nusa' exhibition at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani NATIONAL ART GALLERY Here's another free admission national institution worth checking out. Nusa, an expansive exhibition spanning five galleries and featuring over 460 works from the national collection, is reason enough to visit – and its set to close later this year, so catch it while you can. Also on now at the National Art Gallery is the newly opened Into The Frameless, an immersive art experience, and Single, a showcase featuring emerging artist Daisy Ooi that's sure to resonate with a new generation of art lovers. For those interested in local art history, the ongoing Chung Chen Sun archive project is not to be missed. The Art Hospital is another highlight – keep an eye out for guided tours to make the most of your visit.
