Thursday, May 24, 2007

National Museum (Muzium Negara)


Located in the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur and set amongst its neighbourhood of historical buildings and romantic parkland, Muzium Negara’s architecture is a fine blend of the traditional Malay style and modern lines. The museum building, apart from being stimulative from the point of tradition also presents a panaromic view of the development of Malaysia, as depicted by the two large murals of Italian glass mosaic which extend across the Museum’s facade. Muzium Negara was officially opened on 31 August 1963, is a repository of Malaysia’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Muzium Negara is a three storied structure of 109.7 meters long and 15.1 meters wide and 37.6 meters at the central point. It is a palatial structure built in the style of Minangkabau architecture. The museum houses four main galleries specialising in ethnology and natural history. Built in the style of a Rumah Gadang, its impressive facade of two large murals depicts scenes of the country's colourful past and rich culture. The displays range from free-standing tableau showing traditional cultural events like weddings, festivals and beautiful costumes; to the rich variety of weapons, musical instruments, arts and crafts, precious ceramics, and flora & fauna.

Muzium Negara attracts some half million visitors annually. The museum is located at Jalan Damansara and is open from 9.00 am – 6pm daily. It is only closed on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya AidilAdha. Admission is RM2.00 for adults and children above 12 years old. Entrance to the museum is free to children under twelve years of age and children wearing school uniform.

History
It was the site of the former Selangor Museum. It was built by the British and Selangor governments in 1898 following the formation of Federated Malay States in 1896. However, during World War II, the right wing of museum was suddenly bombed and destroyed by Imperial Japanese Navy's air strike during the invasion of Kuala Lumpur in 1941.

After the Second World War, the left wing of Selangor Museum was still in use as a historical site. After Federation of Malaya achieved its independence on 31 August 1957, the federal government decided to build the national museum at the old site of Selangor. Construction began in 1961 and completed in 1965. The National Museum was launched by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong III Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail on the 31st of August 1963 and was officially opened on 22 November 1965.

Interior
Displays and exhibits in the museum focus on local history, culture and traditions, arts and crafts, economic activities, local flora and fauna, weapons and currency.

The museum houses various galleries, each with its own theme. The Historical Gallery traces the different periods in the history of Peninsular Malaysia. The Cultural Gallery is a collection of various aspects of Malaysian culture, from common everyday pastimes to important ceremonial customs. Included in the exhibits are a Malay wedding scene, a royal circumcision ceremony, and a presentation on the heritage of the Peranakan community. The Metalwork and Musical Instruments Gallery showcases various objects and utensils from kitchenware and ceremonial ornaments to weapons and traditional instruments of Malaysian music.

Other galleries include the National Sports Gallery and the Natural History Gallery. In the museum grounds are historical locomotives, vintage cars and other relics of transport. Reconstructed Malay palaces from others parts of the country also grace the expansive grounds. The Muzium Negara also holds regular thematic exhibitions featuring specific aspects of life and culture from all over the world.

BUILDING

Design
The National Museum was designed according to a compilation of aesthetic elements and traditional Malay carving motifs. Y.T.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the Father of Independence, as well as the First Prime Minister of Malaysia, personally chose this exquisite design.

Architecture
The architecture of the National Museum comprises 26 concrete pillars, positioned to reflect the features of a traditional Malay palace. The 26 pillars concept is based on the assembly of 13 pillars to the east and 13 more to the west of the building, which represents the 13 states of Malaysia.

Mural
The mural on the west side of the building illustrates the economic activities, traditional ceremonies and customs inherited by the Malaysian society. The mural on the east side of the building faces Jalan Travers is chronologically documents the significant events of Malay history, including the eminent Malacca Malay Sultanate, colonization and the independence of Malaysia in 1957.

How to get there:
Travelling by Commutor / LRTPutra Disembark in KL Sentral, Muzium Negara is about 0.5 km walking distance.

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