Museums are windows to our past. And in the month of Merdeka, there’s no better time than now to retrace our steps and learn all about our country’s storied history and heritage. If you’re a parent with young children, you’ll be glad to know that there are numerous museums in KL dedicated to documenting how far Malaysia has come as a nation. The National Museum is one such place, but to most Malaysians, it needs no introduction. Therefore, we will be shining the spotlight on the next best museums in KL that will provide you and your family with an equally educational experience.
The Best Museums In KL That Are Educational For Kids And Adults
From cultural preservation to technological advancements, there’s ever so much to learn in these best museums in KL.
Bank Negara Malaysia Museum And Art Gallery
The Bank Negara Malaysia Museum And Art Gallery is one of the best museums in KL that caters to families. Adults can appreciate an array of Malaysian and ASEAN artworks as well as the country’s fiscal and economic history across five different galleries. Kids, on the other hand, can learn a thing or two about financial literacy in the interactive Children’s Gallery. If you’re looking for picture-perfect spots, the beautifully modern museum offers several! This includes the RM1 Million Tunnel, the iconic spiral staircase, and the ethereal Art Gallery.
Address: Sasana Kijang, 2, Jalan Dato Onn, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 5pm
Contact: 03-9179 2784
Entrance Fees: Free admission
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Islamic Arts Museum
Why not spend an afternoon with your family admiring Southeast Asia’s largest Islamic art collection? In this pristine museum, you’ll get to see not just artefacts from the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East, but also works from China, India, and Southeast Asia. These exhibits range from the smallest piece of jewellery to one of the largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the well-stocked library, and the intricate domed ceilings prevalent throughout the museum.
Address: Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 9.30am – 6pm
Contact: 03-2092 7070 / 03-2274 2020
Entrance Fees:
Children (6 and under): Free
Students and senior citizens: RM7
Adults: RM14
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Orang Asli Crafts Museum
This unassuming museum in KL deserves more love from Malaysians as it showcases the history of the original settlers of our country. Although the space is small, the museum makes up for it by featuring a variety of displays and information on the culture and beliefs of Orang Asli tribes. Junior artists and artisans will especially enjoy taking in the details of the one-of-a-kind exhibits, such as the traditional musical instruments, wooden figurines, and handwoven crafts. Since this museum is only a stone’s throw away from the National Museum, do swing by if you’re in the area!
Address: Department of Museums Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 5pm (except on the first Monday of each month)
Contact: 03-2267 1000
Entrance Fees: Refer to website
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
Learn all about the tin rush in colonial Malaya and the founding of the world’s finest pewter maker at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. It’s one of the best museums in KL to visit with children, as it’s designed to be interactive and family-friendly. There’s even a live craftsmanship showcase after which kids and adults can try their hand at pewter-making (comes with a fee). If that’s not your thing, skip straight to the retail showroom to find the perfect souvenir or drop by the bistro-style cafe for a bite.
Address: 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Contact: 03-4145 6122
Entrance Fees: Free admission. Workshops start from RM75
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Telekom Museum
Telecommunications can be a potentially dull topic, but the interactive Telekom Museum in KL manages to put an interesting spin on it. Covering over a century of Malaysia’s telecommunications history, the museum is located in a neoclassical-style building which, on its own, is worthy of a visit. The exhibits, spanning three floors, range from Morse code telegraph all the way to modern digital technology. If there’s an incoming call from the stomach, best not to ignore. There’s a cafe downstairs that serves affordable food, as well as a courtyard that often hosts food festivals in the evenings.
Address: Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Contact: 03-2031 9966
Entrance Fees: Free admission
MinNature Malaysia
If the littlest things are where we find true joy, then MinNature Malaysia has taken this adage, quite literally, to the next level. This museum, located in the golden triangle of KL, celebrates the wonderful cultural heritage that makes us Malaysian in miniature form. From renowned landmarks to scenes of life in colonial Malaya and modern Malaysia, each exhibit is handcrafted with impeccable attention to detail. This not only makes them an absolute joy to behold, but also brings visitors on a nostalgic journey. And don’t miss the ‘Easter eggs’ that are cleverly hidden among the displays!
Address: JUMPA@Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot MUF-1, Level 1, Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Contact: 011-1009 9374
Entrance Fees:
Children (5 and below): Free
Students (6-18 years old): RM20
Adults: RM25
Seniors (above 60 years old): RM20
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National Textile Museum
Located in the hallowed halls of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the National Textile Museum is home to an exquisite collection of textiles, clothes, and accessories unique to Malaysia’s various ethnic groups. The elegant and well-kept museum comprises a quartet of galleries that walk you through the origins of textiles, traditional textile-making techniques, as well as heritage fabrics, costumes, and personal adornments. More than just another museum in KL, this one is a great place to introduce the rich diversity of Malaysian society to the younger generation through the lens of fashion.
Address: 26, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 5pm (except on the first Monday of each month)
Contact: 03-2694 3457
Entrance Fees: Refer to website
Royal Malaysia Police Museum
Got an aspiring policeman at home who watches way too many cop movies? Then they’ll thoroughly enjoy the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Museum. Everything there is to know about the history of the RMP can be found here, including an outdoor exhibition that features old police tanks, motorbikes, sea and aircrafts, cannons, and more. Within the museum, visitors can glean details on the early history of the RMP, the establishment of the modern Malaysian police force, as well as various exhibits that date back to the RMP’s origins under British rule.
Address: 5, Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Tue – Thur, Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm; Fri: 9am – 2.30pm
Contact: 03-2272 5689
Entrance Fees: Free admission
Discover The History And Heritage Of Malaysia At These Best Museums In KL
Whether it’s Merdeka month or not, make it a point to check out each of these best museums in KL with your children. All of them are great informal learning venues to supplement classroom education, and they sometimes come at no cost at all! Most importantly, these educational trips will ensure the younger generation can have a better understanding of the various threads that form the fabric of Malaysian society.
For variety, you could alternate museum visits with family trips to Malaysia’s best science centres and art galleries.
