Sarawak State Museum
Sarawak
The Sarawak State Museum, established in 1888 and opened in 1891 in Kuching, Sarawak, is the oldest museum in Borneo and a vital cultural institution. It was purpose-built to house and display local indigenous arts, crafts, and natural history specimens, reflecting the diverse heritage of Sarawak. The museum's architecture is notable for its European Queen Anne style, with a rectangular brick structure featuring dormer windows that illuminate the galleries. Its ground floor exhibits Sarawak's fauna, including expertly prepared specimens of reptiles, mammals, and birds, alongside a petroleum industry exhibition sponsored by Shell. The first floor presents ethnographic artifacts of indigenous peoples, such as models of longhouses, musical instruments, traps, handicrafts, and boats, offering insight into traditional life. Despite the challenges of World War II, the museum was protected and suffered minimal damage. Renovations and expansions have preserved its historic character while modernizing exhibits. The museum also plays a key role in conserving Sarawak's natural and cultural patrimony, including marine turtle protection and wildlife conservation. The Sarawak Museum Journal, first published in 1911, remains one of Southeast Asia's oldest scientific journals, emphasizing the museum's scholarly significance. Since 2017, the museum has undergone major refurbishment alongside the development of the nearby Borneo Cultures Museum, the largest museum complex in Malaysia and second largest in Southeast Asia.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting during the dry season for comfortable exploration. Advance ticket purchase is advisable due to refurbishment-related scheduling changes. The museum offers discounts for students and seniors. Check the official website or contact the museum before visiting to confirm opening hours and any temporary closures.
Interesting facts
- •The Sarawak State Museum is the oldest museum in Borneo, established in 1888 and opened in 1891.
- •It has the most comprehensive archaeological, natural history, and ethnographic collections on Borneo.
- •The museum building features Queen Anne style architecture, resembling the Samuel Way Building in Adelaide, Australia.
- •During Japanese occupation in World War II, the museum was protected by a sympathetic Japanese officer and suffered minimal damage.
- •The Sarawak Museum Journal, first published in 1911, is one of the oldest scientific journals in Southeast Asia.
History
Founded in 1888 and opened in 1891, the Sarawak State Museum was established under the patronage of Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak.
Initial collections were gathered from specimens collected across the state, temporarily housed in various locations before the dedicated building was completed.
The museum expanded with a new wing in 1911 and survived World War II with little damage under Japanese occupation.
Over the years, it has undergone several renovations to preserve its Queen Anne style architecture.
Since 2017, extensive refurbishment and the construction of the adjacent Borneo Cultures Museum have marked a new chapter in its history, aiming to modernize and expand its cultural offerings.
Place Guide
Natural History Gallery
Located on the ground floor, this gallery displays expertly prepared and mounted specimens of Sarawak fauna including reptiles, mammals, and birds, offering a comprehensive view of the region's biodiversity.
Shell Petroleum Exhibition
Situated in the west wing, this exhibit explores the petroleum industry in Sarawak, highlighting its significance to Borneo's economy and development.
Ethnographic Exhibits
On the first floor, visitors can explore artifacts and models representing the indigenous peoples of Sarawak, including longhouses, musical instruments, traps, handicrafts, and boats, illustrating traditional lifestyles and cultures.
Contact
Phone: 082-548 181
