A Culture Buff’s Guide to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur may not boast a great history but it surprises travellers with its diversity and multicultural character. This one of the most prominent cities in South Asia is a fine amalgamation of old and new attraction and those who have visited this city in recent past vouch for its transformation. In recent decades the city has also developed as a hub of culture buffs and presence of several museums is only boosting its positions as a cultural destinations. Here we give a brief description of museums in Malaysian capital that offers an insight into the art and culture of the region.

Islamic Arts Museum

The museum is well known for its collection of Islamic art. The visitors will see several textile exhibits, carpets, jewellery and calligraphy-inscribed pottery. Apart from its collection the building itself is worth watching as it displays fine domes and glazed tilework. The guests can buy souvenirs from the gift shops and gorge on delicacies at a restaurant situated here.

National Textiles Museum

Nestled in a Moghul-Islamic building designed by AC Norman, National Textiles Museum stuns travellers with its delicate display of textiles. These kinds of textiles are rare as preparing them is time consuming and there are no enough workforce to carry forward this tradition. A shop situated in the premises of museums showcases works of young Malaysian designers.

National Museum

National Museum is nestled in a peculiar building with Minangkabau-style roof and adorned with two front murals. This one of the most prominent museums in the city has a huge fan following. Recently the museum has gone under a renovation and now it displays several artworks in its four art galleries. The museum has depicts from Early History, Malay Kingdoms, including the history of the Melaka; Colonial Era and Malaysia of today. The museums has several small galleries that includes the Orang Asli Craft Museum and Malay World Ethnology Museum among others.

Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery

The futuristic, metal-clad complex of Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery is designed by none other than leading Malaysian architect Hijjas Kasturi. A visit to museum gives a fine understanding of currency and country’s economic history.

National Visual Arts Gallery

National Visual Arts Gallery is a fine place to see modern and contemporary Malaysian art. The museums showcases artworks of local as well as regional artists. The museums has a collection of 4000 artworks that includes paintings of Zulkifi Moh'd Dohalan, Wong Hoi Cheong and Ahad Osman among others. Apart from its collection the museum is also well known for its intricate interiors.