The Brooke Gallery
The Brooke Gallery
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
About
Open from 24th September 2016, the 175th anniversary of the founding of the State of Sarawak, the Brooke Gallery tells the story of one of the most remarkable kingdoms in history: Sarawak and its 'White Rajahs'. In the 1830s Sarawak, a province of the once-mighty Sultanate of Brunei in north-west Borneo, was ravaged by piratical raiding and rebellion against Brunei rule. Inspired by stories of its natural wonders and diverse indigenous cultures, a bold English adventurer, James Brooke, arrived on its shores in his yacht, Royalist, in August 1839. He was to forge a unique bond with its peoples and together they built the foundations of today's Sarawak. The displays focus on the people, places and events that have shaped the state. They take us on a journey through a century of 'White Rajah' rule that began in September 1841, was shattered by the Japanese invasion of December 1941 and ended in July 1946 with Sarawak's annexation as a British Crown Colony. The subsequent move towards political independence culminated in Sarawak's part in forming the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles182 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
55
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
0

CanadianTraveler23
Yellowknife21 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
I went on my own to visit this excellent historical museum of the remarkable recent history of Kuching since the mid-1800s, and the White Rajahs who governed. Super interesting, and in an awesome fort (Fort Margerita) positioned over the river to repel pirates.

To get there from the Kuching waterfront, I tried and failed to walk from the Darul Hana bridge- but you can't walk past the parliament. Instead, take a little boat across the river, ad then it's a short (10 minute) walk up to the fortress.
Written 25 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

YH
18 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Take a boat across to Fort Margherita (costs 1 RM) and learn a bit about Sarawak and the Brooke dynasty
Written 7 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pianocello
Shah Alam, Malaysia1,406 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Family
The museum is full of rich history and the Fort itself is good for photos. This place is rarely crowded and is a must-see especially for those interested in Sarawak history.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sylvester
Kuching, Malaysia11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Solo
I love museums. And this is not an exception. Worth spending an hour or so here. Filled with very rich history of Sarawak. And the views from the top floor are absolutely mesmerising. Definitely give this landmark a visit.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hyshegu
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Friends
Very good little museum. Well kept with lots of little bits of history about Sarawak. The views are pretty amazing from the top of the tower. Worth spending an hour there.
Written 7 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

waget
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia400 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Well kept and well managed gallery. Although the stairs were a bit tricky and is not suitable for "bigger" and "larger" people. It is amazing to see the mast of the ship.
Written 11 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda C
Toronto, Canada92 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Good spot to spend a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon. Interesting exhibits. You can buy a pass to 3 Brooke museums to save a bit....20mr each or 30 for three.
Written 2 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christine B
Fordingbridge, UK1,429 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I went over to the Fort & saw the Brooke Gallery.
It was fairly interesting but nothing to rave about.
It wouldn't be on my 'must see' things for Kuching.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear christine b, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on your recent visit to one of our Museums, the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita. We regret that you had felt that way with regards to your visit to Fort Margherita. We are always open for suggestions from visitors on ways to improve the visiting experience. We hope to welcome you again at any of our Museums in the future. Thank you. Kind regards, Adams
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

djanaka
Boise Idaho34 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
From the East end of the Kuching River walk, take the short boat ride to Tjg Kampung Boyan. (cost 1 ringgit). Follow the signs to Fort Margherita --Brooke Gallery. You will pass by the hanging gardens and approach the museum from the back side. Entrance is 20 ringgit.
The museum is laid out on three floors and follows the history of the Brooke Family from their arrival in Sarawak through the cession to the English Crown. Fascinating artifacts with descriptions in both English and Malay.
There is access to the roof top for a nice view of Kuching and the cannons of the fort.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear djanaka, Thank you for taking the time to submit your feedback and sharing your experience on your recent visit to the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita. We are glad that you had an enjoyable journey to the fort and had also found the exhibits fascinating. We look forward to welcome you again at any of our Museums. Thank you. Kind regards, Adams
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jk11
Singapore, Singapore14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
Good to spend quiet times at the museum. It’s cost a dollar for the boat ride to cross the river to Brooke gallery.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear jenkoh11, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and experience on your recent visit to the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margherita. We are glad that you had enjoyed the time you spent here. We look forward to welcome you again to any of our museums in the future. Thank you. Kind regards, Adams
Written 20 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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THE BROOKE GALLERY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Brooke Gallery