Muzium Negara but One Gallery, Pre-history

We visited Muzium Negara around the same time we went to Muzium Seni Kraf Orang Asli and Muzium Etnologi Dunia Melayu. We understood that there were four galleries inside, but only managed to visit Gallery A: Pre-History.

Not because we didn’t want to, but because we had two strollers with us at the time, we couldn’t visit the rest of the galleries on the upper floors. I’m not sure if there were elevators. Perhaps next time.

It was a fun experience nonetheless. Below is a brief history of the National Museum, summarised from the plaque at the entrance of the museum.

The National Museum building is located on the site of the Selangor Museum, which was built in 1906. In March 1945, the right portion of the Selangor Museum building was destroyed by B-29 bombers, and most of its collection was transferred to the Perak Museum in Taiping.

After the end of World War II, the Selangor Museum was demolished to make way for the construction of a new museum. As Malaysia approached independence, the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, inspired the construction of a museum to house the treasures of the country’s historical heritage, culture, and specimens of its flora and fauna.

An architect named Ho Kok Hoe designed the National Museum building based on the architectural style of Malay palaces and the local Malay community, while taking into account all the space requirements for museum activities and exhibition halls.

The front walls of the building are adorned with murals depicting the history and culture of the country. The floor of the central hall of the building is decorated with special tiles donated by the government of Pakistan. UNESCO also assisted by sending several museum experts from famous museums around the world to provide their advice.

Opening hours are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. The cutoff time for ticket purchase and admission to the museum is at 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed on the first and second day of Eid al-Fitr and the first day of Eid al-Adha.

The official website of the museum outlines a set of rules and guidelines for visitors to follow. Refrain from touching exhibits or causing damage. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the premises. Photography without flash is permitted, but special sessions require prior written permission. Do not bring food, drinks, pets, explosives, or dangerous objects into the museum.

To reach Muzium Negara, you have various transport options: the RED GoKL or KL Hop-on Hop-off buses stop there, or you can alight at KL Sentral station and walk to MRT Muzium Negara. Alternatively, use the MRT to reach Muzium Negara Station directly.

Parking at the National Museum costs RM 3.00 for the first hour and RM 2.00 for subsequent hours, including 6% SST. Nearby attractions include Malaysia’s Lake Garden, the National Monument (Tugu Negara), and the Bird Park for birdwatching enthusiasts.