Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, located in Kuala Lumpur, is Southeast Asia's largest museum dedicated to Islamic art, housing more than 7,000 artifacts from across the Islamic world. Opened in 1998, the museum features twelve gallery spaces spread over two levels, each focusing on different themes such as Islamic architecture, Qur’an manuscripts, textiles, jewelry, coins, arms and armor, and ancient Islamic glassware. A highlight is the meticulously restored early 19th-century Ottoman Room, showcasing traditional Islamic craftsmanship. The museum building itself is an architectural landmark, blending modern construction with traditional Islamic elements like its iconic turquoise tiled domes and an entrance styled as an iwan with intricate Iranian tile work. Beyond exhibitions, the museum offers educational, research, and conservation facilities, contributing to the preservation and understanding of Islamic arts and heritage. Easily accessible by foot from Kuala Lumpur railway station, it stands as a cultural beacon for visitors interested in Islamic history and art.
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Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more contemplative experience. Purchase tickets in advance online to save time. The museum offers educational programs and guided tours which enrich the visit. Allow sufficient time to explore both levels and the Ottoman Room. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum is within walking distance from Kuala Lumpur railway station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses one of the most complete early 19th-century Ottoman Rooms, restored with international collaboration.
- •Its iconic turquoise domes are designed to resemble Islamic textile aesthetics, making the building a landmark in Kuala Lumpur's skyline.
- •The museum contains more than 7,000 artifacts representing Islamic art from across the world, including rare ancient Islamic glassware.
- •The building's entrance is designed as an iwan, a traditional Islamic architectural element, decorated by Iranian tile workers.
History
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia was officially opened on 12 December 1998.
Since its opening, it has become the largest museum of Islamic arts in Southeast Asia, showcasing a vast collection of over 7,000 artifacts.
The building was designed by Malaysian architects incorporating traditional Islamic architectural features such as five domes, with four visible externally and one visible only from inside.
Over the years, the museum has expanded its role beyond exhibition to include educational, research, and conservation functions, particularly noted for its restoration of the 19th-century Ottoman Room.
Place Guide
Ottoman Room19th century
A faithfully restored early 19th-century room showcasing Ottoman Islamic art and architecture, notable for its intricate painted woodwork and historical significance.
Gallery of Qur’an and Manuscripts
This gallery displays a rich collection of Qur’anic manuscripts and Islamic calligraphy, illustrating the spiritual and artistic heritage of Islam.
Islamic Architecture Gallery
Showcases architectural elements and models from the Islamic world, highlighting the diversity and beauty of Islamic design.
Galleries of Arms & Armor, Textiles, Jewelry, and Coins
These galleries present historical arms and armor, exquisite textiles, intricate jewelry, and Islamic coins, reflecting the cultural and material history of Islamic societies.
Galleries of Metal, Wood, and Ceramics
Exhibits categorized by material, featuring Islamic metalwork, woodcraft, and ceramics, including rare ancient Islamic glassware.
Contact
Phone: 03-2092 7070
