A NATIONAL MUSEUM is often government-funded and dedicated to preserving a nation’s history and culture. Each country may differ in how they present their national storyline. When it comes to formerly colonised countries in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, most showcase the rise of the nation from early civilisation to colonisation and then independence, and later, its current development. National museums can also be seen as a medium to instil “nationalism” in citizens.

Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur was built on the ruins of Selangor Museum, which was bombed by the Alliance Air Force on 10 March 1945 during World War II. A temporary small museum called Muzium Negara Sementara was constructed under the order of General Sir Gerald Templer, the British High Commissioner to Malaya in 1952, and operated briefly for eight years.

Later, Tunku Abdul Rahman (1903–1990), the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, decided to establish a new national museum that reflects the national identity of the country after gaining independence on 31 August 1957.[1] Tunku appointed Haji Mubin Sheppard (1905–1994) to spearhead the establishment of Muzium Negara, along with Ho Kok Hoe from Singapore (1922–2015) as the main architect for the museum in 1959. They travelled to Kedah to be inspired by the Malay houses and structures there; the National Museum must look Malayan—“no boxes and no glass”.[2]

Ho successfully adapted the design of a traditional Malay house, incorporating decorative motifs of the Petalawati bird on the roof.[3] The exterior of the building is further enhanced with two murals made from Italian glass mosaics by artist, Cheong Laitong (1932–2022), depicting the historical and cultural journey of the nation. Another prominent local artist and woodcarver, Nik Zainal Abidin Nik Salleh (1933–1993), designed the wood carvings both internally and externally, while the three main door panels at the museum’s entrance were carved by a team led by Wan Su Othman (1900–2011).[4] The building was completed in 1963. Currently, Muzium Negara is under the administration of the Department of Museums Malaysia and the Ministry of National Unity.

Inside Muzium Negara

The museum has four permanent galleries (balai): Balai Kebudayaan (Cultural Gallery), Balai Sejarah dan Pertukangan (History and Craftsmanship Gallery), Balai Ilmu Kejadian (Natural Sciences Gallery) and Balai Kegiatan Ekonomi (Economic Activities Gallery).

The Cultural Gallery features a diverse collection of artefacts encompassing traditional weaponry, shadow puppetry (wayang kulit), songket weaving, metal craftsmanship and traditional games, among others. [6] The History and Craftsmanship Gallery showcases prehistoric collections from the Orang Asli (Indigenous peoples), traditional craftsmanship, weaponry and currency. Among its notable displays is the Hang Tuah Mural, featuring the iconic phrase “Ta’ Melayu Hilang Di-Dunia”[7], which remains a prominent feature in Muzium Negara until today. It was later changed to Wajah-Wajah Malaysia (Faces of Malaysia).

The Natural Sciences Gallery was established to showcase dioramas highlighting the richness and uniqueness of Malaysia’s biodiversity, including insect life, marine and land creatures, and its geography. It was upgraded in 1968, when Shell Malaysia contributed RM25,000 to enhance the gallery.

Meanwhile, the Economic Activities Gallery was established to showcase the nation’s natural resources and economic outputs (tin, rubber, timber and agricultural products). The gallery was only completed and opened to the public in December 1972, following an allocation of RM84,000 under the Second Malaysia Plan (RMK2).[8]

In 1986, the Economic Activities Gallery evolved to cover history, ceramics, ethnology and gold. In 1990, Muzium Negara changed the narrative for this gallery again, focusing more on weapons, musical instruments and ceramics.[9]

Restoration works in 2007 saw revisions to all of its permanent galleries, focusing on the chronological development of the nation’s history instead: Gallery A (Early History), and Gallery B (Malay Kingdoms) tell of the different Malay Kingdoms up to and including the Melaka Sultanate; Gallery C (Colonial Era) exhibits colonial history from the 1511 Portuguese invasion through to the Dutch and British periods up until the Japanese invasion; and Gallery D (Malaysia Today).[10] Muzium Negara now exhibits 1,566 artefacts in all four main galleries, the outdoor exhibition area and the Cempaka Sari room (VIP room).[11]

Human skeletons from the Hoabinhian and Neolithic periods dating between 5,000 to 8,000 years ago discovered in Cha Cave by Gale Sieveking, a British prehistory archaeologist in 1954, are one of the prominent artefacts in Gallery A. Another important artefact is the Dongson Bronze Bell (dated 150BCE), found by a farmer along the banks of the river in Kampung Penchu, Muar, Johor in 1963.[12] The bell is believed to originate from Dong Son, North Vietnam, and was used as an ornament hung around an elephant’s neck during religious ceremonies.[13] This bell was declared a National Heritage Object in 2009. The Seated Bodhisattva, carved in terracotta, which was discovered at Pengkalan Bujang (Site 21/22) in Kedah has also been gazetted as a National Heritage Object in 2009.[14]

Gallery B displays another 2009 National Heritage Object—the Avalokitesvara (the Buddhist Boddhisatva of Compassion) statue. The eight-armed statue weighing 63kg was found in 1936 near Bidor, Kinta Valley, Perak. The statue is believed to originate from an early Malay kingdom, Gangga Negara, dating to the 8th–9th century.[15]

Not many artefacts from the great Melaka Sultanate (1400–1511CE) have survived to the present day. One that did is the gravestone of Sultan Mansur Shah, discovered on Bukit Melaka in 1918. It was believed to have been moved there from its original site during the Portuguese occupation.[16]

At Gallery C, visitors can view the Bellamine jar, recovered in 1993 during an underwater excavation carried out on the Nassau (Dutch East India Company (VOC)) shipwreck at Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. It is an important artefact from the Battle of Cape Rachado that happened between the VOC and the Portuguese Navy in 1606.[17] There is also the table used to sign the Pangkor Treaty on 20 January 1874, which marks the introduction of the British residential system.[18]

In Gallery D, you can find the historical first flag of the Federation of Malaya that was raised on 31 August 1957 at Dataran Merdeka by Tunku Abdul Rahman. The flag has 11 stripes and an 11-point star which represented the 11 states in the Federation of Malaya.[19]

A Better Representation of Malaysia?

Despite the impressive collections currently on display at Muzium Negara, there are still voices claiming that the museum has yet to fully capture and convey the true story of Malaysia. On that, I agree—these collections may suffice to cover major historical events of the nation, but they fall short in representing many other important narratives, particularly the histories of Borneo, including Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. The cultural pluralism in Malaysia is also not fully explored.

Even though there are dioramas showcasing the diverse ethnic groups in Malaysia dressed in their traditional attire at Gallery D, they lack sufficient information to truly convey the rich stories, cultures and lived experiences of these communities. Other than that, there is also little coverage of post-2000 developments like new political parties, digital culture and globalisation.

One of the galleries I believe the museum should consider bringing back is the Faces of Malaysia gallery, but with an enhanced focus on the nation’s multicultural journey. It should highlight how different communities contributed to Malaysian society by showcasing the cultural intersections that shape our food, language, art, religion and festival celebrations.

When revisiting historical narratives, the museum could adopt a fresh approach that presents Malaysia as a living, evolving society, rather than merely focusing on the making of the nation. Such a perspective would allow for the inclusion of ongoing movements such as environmentalism, and the role of women and youth-led initiatives. A critical and reflective narrative on nationhood and patriotism could also encourage visitors to engage more deeply with the idea of independence, and prompt them to ask: “What does Merdeka mean to me now?” “How should we remember our national heroes?” “Who are the ordinary individuals who shaped our communities?” By inviting these questions, the museum would become a platform for active reflection, dialogue and civic engagement.

Bringing back some taxidermies from Balai Ilmu Kejadian from the storage in Muzium Negara could attract visitors, especially children who love animals. A special exhibition organised by the Natural History Museum of Malaysia,[20] called “The Wonders of Taxidermy: Eternal Life Exhibition” from 18 October 2021 to 17 April 2022, saw more than 15,000 visitors from October to December 2021.[21]

Muzium Negara could also learn a few things from other notable museums in the country and in Southeast Asia. For example, the Borneo Cultures Museum is currently the largest museum in Malaysia and the second largest museum in Southeast Asia, after the National Museum of Singapore.[22] Located in Kuching, Sarawak, it is under the administration of the Sarawak Museum Department.[23] It features a curated theme that seamlessly blends the history of Sarawak with its natural heritage and diverse cultures, enhanced by interactive and immersive digital technologies that engage visitors, making learning both educational and enjoyable.

The Sarawak state government allocated RM323mil for the construction of the museum.[24] The cost has paid off; the museum has garnered 1.1 million visitors (as of September 2024) since its grand opening in March 2022.[25] Many sang praises about the museum, and one visitor even commented that the museum is on par with some of the best museums in Japan, Europe and the US.[26]

There is also the National Museum of Singapore, which dates back to 1849, when it opened on Stamford Road as the Raffles Library and Museum. The Singapore government had spent SGD118mil for the refurbishment and branding of the museum.[27] It narrates stories using both traditional and modern methods, using immersive displays and modern technology, making history fun and interactive.

These two museums tell us that funding is crucial if we want Muzium Negara to be on par with other prestigious museums in this region. Its last upgrade and renovation was done in 2007.

A special committee needs to be established by the Department of Museums Malaysia. It could then engage with selected academicians, historians and organisations, such as top architecture firms, in visualising new narratives and gallery designs. This budget must also include new repositories and conservation labs; the current repositories can no longer accommodate the museum’s expanding collections. New conservation labs must also be developed so that more conservation, restoration and research work can be done.

An online collections database for Muzium Negara will also allow public and researcher access to its heritage, fostering greater appreciation for the museum’s collections, and ensure its relevance among global institutions.

Nevertheless, Muzium Negara has always been working to provide the best for its visitors by showcasing objects and artefacts that are otherwise kept in the storage rooms.

Every year, all federal museums under the administration of the Department of Museums Malaysia have a programme called “Night at the Museum” that runs from 30 to 31 August. High school children spend the night at the galleries in conjunction with the celebration of Independence Day. Muzium Negara is also quite active in outreach programmes to schools, universities and public or private institutions.

Muzium Negara stands as a vital institution in preserving and showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural and historical heritage. As the country continues to evolve, it is hoped that the museum will enhance its exhibitions and strengthen its role in educating future generations.

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views of Muzium Negara or the Department of Museums Malaysia.

Footnotes

1. Alan Teh Leam Seng, “Museum That Rose from Ashes,” New Straits Times, May 7, 2017, https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sundayvibes/2017/05/237116/museum-rose-ashes

2. Lai Chee Kien and Ang Chee Cheong, The Merdeka Interviews: Architects, Engineers and Artists of Malaysia’s Indepedence (Kuala Lumpur: Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, 2018) p. 281

3. Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 60 Tahun Muzium Negara (Kuala Lumpur: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 2023) p.8

4. Rose Gan and Maganjeet Kaur, eds., A Malaysian Tapestry: Rich Heritage at the National Museum (Kuala Lumpur: Department of Museums Malaysia, 2015) p. 6

5. Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 60 Tahun Muzium Negara p. 10

6. Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 60 Tahun Muzium Negara pp. 23-24

7. Translated as “The Malays shall never vanish from the Earth”

8. Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 60 Tahun Muzium Negara

9. Muzium Negara, Guide to The Historical Gallery Muzium Negara (Kuala Lumpur: Muzium Negara, 1986)

10. Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 60 Tahun Muzium Negara p 110.

11. Muzium Negara, Katalog Artifak Muzium Negara (Internal document, 2016), p.536

12. Rose Gan and Maganjeet Kaur, eds., A Malaysian Tapestry: Rich Heritage at the National Museum. p. 28

13. Muzium Negara, Muzium Negara Gallery Guide: Gallery A - Early History (Kuala Lumpur: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 2011), p. 25

14. Rose Gan and Maganjeet Kaur, eds., A Malaysian Tapestry: Rich Heritage at the National Museum. p. 86

15. Rose Gan and Maganjeet Kaur, eds., A Malaysian Tapestry: Rich Heritage at the National Museum. p. 84

16. Ibid, p. 25

17. Muzium Negara, Muzium Negara Gallery Guide: Gallery C – Colonial Era (Kuala Lumpur: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 2011), p. 11

18. Ibid, p. 16.

19. Muzium Negara, Independence Day Collection, https://www. muziumnegara.gov.my/ en/independence-daycollection.

20. Another museum under the administration of the Department of Museums Malaysia with its own curators and staff. Unfortunately, the museum does not have its own building for permanent displays. Currently, the Department of Museums Malaysia is trying to secure fund from the government to permanently house the Natural History Museum.

21. Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Laporan Tahunan JMM 2021 (Kuala Lumpur: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, 2021), http://www.jmm.gov.my/files/Laporan%20 Tahunan%20JMM%20 2021.pdf.

22. Responsible Borneo, Borneo Cultures Museum, https://www.responsibleborneo.com/borneoculturesmuseum

23. Sarawak Museum Department, Borneo Cultures Museum, https:// museum.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_ view/169

24. Borneo Post, “Borneo Cultures Museum Officially Opens to Public on March 9,” The Borneo Post, February 22, 2022, https://www.theborneopost.com/2022/02/22/borneo-cultures-museum-officially-opens-to-public-on-march-9/.

25. Borneo Post, “Abdul Karim: Borneo Cultures Museum Draws Over Million Visitors Since Opening,” The Borneo Post, September 22, 2024, https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/09/22/abdul-karim-borneo-cultures-museum-draws-over-1-mln-visitors-sinceopening/#:~:text= KUCHING%20(Sept%20 22)%3A%20The,Sri%20 Abdul%20Karim%20 Rahman%20Hamzah.

26. Borneo Post, “Leaving a Mark in the History of Human Civilisations,” The Borneo Post, April 24, 2023, https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/04/24/leavinga-mark-in-the-history-of-human-civilisations/.

27. Time Out Singapore, “National Museum of Singapore,” Time Out, accessed June 16, 2025, https://www.timeout.com/singapore/things-to-do/ national-museum-of-singapore.