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National Museum
Located on the fringe of Taman Tasik Perdana (the Kuala Lumpur Lake
Gardens), top a hill at Jalan Travers, the National Museum is the
principal museum in the country.
This palatial building was designed based on classical Malay architecture.
It was set up in 1963 to serve as a repository of Malaysia's rich
cultural heritage and as the centre for imparting knowledge on the
country's historical past.
 
It consist of a large central main entrance hall that is flanked
by two exhibition wings. The two large murals on the exterior of
the exhibition wings depicts scenes of the country - the mural on
the rights depicts the culture and customs of Malaysian while the
one on the left chronicals the historical episodes of the nations.
Enter the vast building through its imposing entrance and you will
find an impressive collection of artifacts on local history, culture
and customs, art and handicraft, economic activities, flora and
fauna, weapons and currencies.
The various galleries housed within the Museum provide interesting
insights into the country's development - Historical Gallery, Cultural
Gallery, Metalworks and Musical Instrument Gallery, National Sports
Gallery and the National History Gallery.
The Historical Gallery traces the different periods in the history
of Peninsular Malaysia. The Cultural Gallery is a collection of
various aspects of the Malaysian culture, from common everyday pastimes
to important ceremonial customs. The Metalwork and Musical Instruments
Gallery showcases various objects and utensils from kitchenware
and ceremonial ornaments to weapons and traditional instruments
of Malaysian music.
Apart from the permanent exhibits, the musueum also holds regular
thematic exhibitions, most noteably its Treasures from the Graves,
Enduring Beauty and World of Ghosts exhibits that drawn large crowd
of curious visitors.
 Facilities include a conservation laboratory, a library with more
than 6,500 titles catering to researchers, students and individuals
in the field of archaeology, ethnology, natural history and other
similar disciplines, and a photographic studio containing slides
and negatives on various subjects of interest to the museum.
Outdoor static displays include old locomotives, vintage cars and
replicas of ancient Malay palaces. Representing the museum's raison
d'etre are two huge murals flanking its doorway. Guided tours by
appointment.
Open: 9am - 6pm (Daily)
Admission: RM1, Children below 12 years: Free
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