Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
4.5
About
Large open-plan museum on four levels with an impressive collection of Islamic artifacts. The wood carvings are a consistent favorite.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Pasar Seni • 8 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Dot HIpswich, United Kingdom201 contributionsA delightful museumA delightful museum. The exhibits are well laid out, the space is light and airy (and cool). An amazing collection of Islamic art from all corners of the world. Excellent gift shop. Another lovely destination in KL. Don't miss this gemVisited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 March 2023
- Mavi5Invercargill, New Zealand65 contributionsGorgeous art works - so beautiful!What a beautiful place - the building itself architecturally in keeping with the collection. Each of the floors has its own speciality, from C16 paintings of Muslim life by European artists, to the illuminations of the Quran and the models of mosques from around the world. We loved being able to wander and appreciate the collection and on each floor admire the art work on the domes. The temperature is regulated and dehumidified which made our mid day experience even more enjoyable. The staff there were helpful and welcoming and not at all obtrusive. Recommended!Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 July 2023
- guillermoPhilippines968 contributionsIslamic Culture & ArtsOne of the best museums I have gone through my lifetime of travel. A few of those museums that they Islamic stories, arts and culture. A must for those who love on Asian and Islamic culture. I’m not a Muslim, but this history simply amazes me.Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 July 2023
- Kenny L2 contributionsif there's only 1 museum to visit, this is the oneThis place is better run museum with lots of interesting artifacts and oriental arts. We just recently visited a set of museums in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. This place has to be the top 1 or 2. The other museum includes the famous National Palace Museum in Taipei.Visited July 2023Written 29 July 2023
- 631BarbaraMInwood, West Virginia193 contributionsDo not miss this museumBeautiful building with wonderful exhibits. This is a must visit when in KL. Beautifully curated and so informative. Wonderful gift shop with lovely items as well as noteworthy books. Amazing place devoted entirely to the culture of Islam in the many places Islam thrived.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 August 2023
- MapfayDevon, United Kingdom32 contributionsOne of the very best museum’sTruly amazing Museum, probably the best I’d been to on my travels. Amazing building, great artefacts, captivating pictures, curated really cleverly. An immensely enjoyable experience and a must visit location in KL.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 August 2023
- serena2 contributionsAn absolute must‐visit for both locals and touristsAmazingly detailed and extensive museum. It has a variety of incredible paintings and artefacts from across the Islamic world, and it is very informative and thorough in its descriptions. The architectural exhibit was my favourite, with some of the best architectural models I've ever seen and detailed descriptions of mosques and mausoleums in different geographic areas of the Islamic world. I was also impressed by the architecture of the museum itself, which has several unique domes that are intricately painted and decorated. The gift shop was also full of interesting books and high-quality souvenirs.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 August 2023
- CAMLondon, United Kingdom391 contributionsA stunning & tranquil refuge from KL’s commercial centreFrom the moment we entered this museum, we were made to feel very welcome. The entrance fee was modest & there were reduced rates for my student children. The exhibits are set out across two floors and showcase the excellence and beauty of Islamic architecture, design and craftsmanship. We enjoyed looking at the textiles, tiles, jewellery and woodwork. The shop is fantastic and we bought some mementos which we are currently getting framed. Highly recommended.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 August 2023
- Adrian BCanberra, Australia60 contributionsMake sure you visit this wonderful Islamic arts museum when in KL.This is a wonderful arts museum and is really good for those who may have limited knowledge of Islamic art and culture. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here admiring the art and artefacts, and it also has a very pleasant adjoining restaurant. This should be included on any visitor's itinerary in KL.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 September 2023
- MikeFoBrighton, United Kingdom1,083 contributionsFabulous - go go go - wonderfully informativeA really fabulous museum of Islamic art in all aspects. It deals very well with varying time period is and especially geographies. I especially enjoyed the exhibit on mosque architecture and it's variations. This is museum I could happily revisit multiple times.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 October 2023
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4.5
3,534 reviews
Excellent
2,120
Very good
1,125
Average
235
Poor
45
Terrible
9
Zsuzsa.Guide
Targu Secuiesc, Romania244 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Do not miss museum in Kuala Lumpur. It is organized in three levels, different sections are well marked, not crowded, very simple and elegant. You can see the kiswa, carpets, dresses, jewelry, books, maps, weapons, gebyok door and wall, lot of the pieces from Ottoman and Persian Empire. Do not skip the mockups of the mosques from around the world
Written 6 March 2024
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.
Chris L
Sydney, Australia105 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Extraordinary. Comprehensive collection, well curated. Covers many aspects of Islamic art from round the world: calligraphy, weapons, ceramics and textiles.
Written 17 February 2024
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.
Museuman
London, UK22 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
This makes it even easier to enjoy the Islamic world’s greatest gift to the visual arts. ‘Alif Lam Ra’ is a mysterious title for an exhibition that is fairly straightforward to follow. As this title is taken from an enigmatic entry in the Qur’an, viewers might expect an obscure journey through the most faith-filled corner of calligraphy. Instead, it’s a gentle and illuminating meander through the entire field. The emphasis is on the contemporary, which makes for a more colourful experience. There are plenty of devotional works on display, mixed with the secular and some so unfathomable they would be hard to classify. Going further into that realm of innovation are three-dimensional manifestations of what was once a matter of a man (usually), a reed pen and a piece of scrubbed animal skin (parchment).
Written 28 January 2024
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.
marftrip
Kernersville, NC264 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
I reserve the term “magnificent” for only the best museums, but the holdings of this museum are absolutely stunning! Such a wide ranging collection from across the Islamic World that include some particularly rare items. (I could not believe I was seeing a robe from Sogdiana!)
It may not seem a huge museum when you enter, but by the time you look and read - and you will definitely want to take your time - you’ll need at least half a day. Not only is the collection outstanding, it’s impeccably presented. This is absolutely a “must see,” well worth a few hours. My hat is off to the leadership and curators of this very impressive treasure of Malaysia.
It may not seem a huge museum when you enter, but by the time you look and read - and you will definitely want to take your time - you’ll need at least half a day. Not only is the collection outstanding, it’s impeccably presented. This is absolutely a “must see,” well worth a few hours. My hat is off to the leadership and curators of this very impressive treasure of Malaysia.
Written 30 December 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.
minnesotans4
Saint Paul, MN2,848 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We had read great reviews of the beautiful Islamic art and artifacts. The website stated that Malaysia has become home to SE Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art. We found the museum to be very interesting. The museum shop had beautiful items and at reasonable prices.
The Moza restaurant located in the museum was fabulous. My husband thought the lamb shank was the best he had ever eaten. The lentil soup was delicious as well. I ordered the shish tawook which was skewered chicken bathed in yogurt marinaded with citrus, garlic and spices…. Just fabulous!
The hummus was perfection.
The Moza restaurant located in the museum was fabulous. My husband thought the lamb shank was the best he had ever eaten. The lentil soup was delicious as well. I ordered the shish tawook which was skewered chicken bathed in yogurt marinaded with citrus, garlic and spices…. Just fabulous!
The hummus was perfection.
Written 13 December 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.
MikeFo
Brighton, UK1,083 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A really fabulous museum of Islamic art in all aspects. It deals very well with varying time period is and especially geographies. I especially enjoyed the exhibit on mosque architecture and it's variations. This is museum I could happily revisit multiple times.
Written 3 October 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.
Adrian B
Canberra, Australia60 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This is a wonderful arts museum and is really good for those who may have limited knowledge of Islamic art and culture. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here admiring the art and artefacts, and it also has a very pleasant adjoining restaurant. This should be included on any visitor's itinerary in KL.
Written 29 September 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.
Jamie35_15
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates26 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
A fabulous surprise, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Islam but in particular of orientalist art, with the preeminent collection of European master paintings far exceeding that on display in Paris or Berlin; truly mesmerising. A must see for any one who appreciates great art!
Written 2 September 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.
CAM
London, UK391 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
From the moment we entered this museum, we were made to feel very welcome. The entrance fee was modest & there were reduced rates for my student children. The exhibits are set out across two floors and showcase the excellence and beauty of Islamic architecture, design and craftsmanship. We enjoyed looking at the textiles, tiles, jewellery and woodwork. The shop is fantastic and we bought some mementos which we are currently getting framed. Highly recommended.
Written 27 August 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.
serena
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Amazingly detailed and extensive museum. It has a variety of incredible paintings and artefacts from across the Islamic world, and it is very informative and thorough in its descriptions. The architectural exhibit was my favourite, with some of the best architectural models I've ever seen and detailed descriptions of mosques and mausoleums in different geographic areas of the Islamic world.
I was also impressed by the architecture of the museum itself, which has several unique domes that are intricately painted and decorated. The gift shop was also full of interesting books and high-quality souvenirs.
I was also impressed by the architecture of the museum itself, which has several unique domes that are intricately painted and decorated. The gift shop was also full of interesting books and high-quality souvenirs.
Written 24 August 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.
Heddyhee
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia117 contributions
Hi, is there any dress code? Such as must wear full covered shoes, or pants’s length must be below knee?
Trotter-Rich
Berlin, Germany116 contributions
Hi there.
No there is no dress code for this museum. Normal vacation attire as you’d wear on any street in Malaysia will do.
Hera Saif
Wenzhou, China47 contributions
What is opening timings of the museum?
Mazmannan
Basingstoke, UK9,298 contributions
I reviewed this museum about a couple of weeks ago. In it I mentioned the opening times. An extract of my review is shown below. Have a lovely time there. It is definitely worth a visit.
Opening hours are daily from 9.30am to 6pm. The museum restaurant is closed on Mondays - and on other days is open from 9.30 am to 5.30pm.
Admission price is Rm14. Children under 6 years of age go free. There is discounted prices for school children and elders at RM7.
Ali Hassan
Lahore, Pakistan
Do I need to buy a tour or can I go own my own? What's the ticket price and what's the best way to get their own my own?
yss97
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,637 contributions
There is no need to buy a tour, you can go in on your own. The ticket is RM14 per adult. The nearest public transport stop is the old KL railway station, or use Grab - the local Uber.
Hi I would like to ask, is it allowed to take pictures inside the museum? if it is, do you think it's allowed to use tripod?
mohdmuzamil
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia20 contributions
yes i was allowed to take pictures
fiamma11
Tysons Corner, VA4,919 contributions
Do you recommend a guide for this museum? Are things well labeled in English?
rosiejessica
Hong Kong, China39 contributions
I don't think you need a guide, but if only you are looking for a very detail information for it. The exhibits are clearly explain in English.
KASHOO188
Manchester, UK16 contributions
How long is a reasonable amount of time to spend here? And how much are tickets?
westham66
Scotland, UK52 contributions
It was around 30 MR for two adults. We spent about 2 hours looking at the exhibits.
We did not try the restaurant so cannot comment on that.
We enjoyed the museum and it was lovely and cool inside.
KASHOO188
Manchester, UK16 contributions
Hi is this place suitable for kids? And how far is the bird park?
RK_Girish_Menon
Singapore, Singapore27 contributions
It's within 5 minutes of KL Bird Park. Young kids will not find much to keep them entertained, as the exhibits are primarily of historical and cultural interest, I feel. The scale models of the various mosques and Islamic architecture would probably be the most interesting to younger visitors.
Sammie M
Derby, UK2 contributions
Hi,
How much would an Uber cost from Impianna KLCC to the museum and would the mosque be open for entry and prayers? What else is there to see and do in this area?
Thanks.
luluraad
Revesby, Australia52 contributions
Hello,
It should be around 10-15 ringgit but depends on time of day, taxis charge more if there is traffic. I always take a taxi that charges by the meter cause they try to rip you off. The national mosque is down the road and also the bird park is very close by too.
Kate H
Madison, WI3 contributions
I will be staying in the Bukit Bintang area on my trip to KL and I am wondering what the best way to get to museum from there is? It doesn't look like public transit makes its way out there.
Sulaiman H
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia49 contributions
Hi sKATEr4193,
There've a Grab/Uber/Taxi services which you can choose. The museum is about 50 meters from National Mosque KL.
dohaelleithy
Qatar284 contributions
I just want to ask about the restaurant inside the museum is it good? and the prices?
MEAFaro
Algarve, Portugal561 contributions
When we had lunch, in February, there was only a set menu, self service with several meze, one main (with two to choose) brought to the table and dessert buffet (2 or 3 varieties). We paid 40 euros for two, but we drank 3 drinks and 2 coffees (which are expensive). The food is good, we enjoyed it.
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Claim your listingISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- Islamic Arts Museum Admission Ticket with Free One Way Transfer (From £19.26)
- Islamic Arts Museum Admission with Kuala Lumpur Famous Landmarks (From £37.16)
- History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour (From £49.26)
- Private Tour : Discover the History, Heritage & Culture of Malaysia (From £48.65)
- Kuala Lumpur Garden, Park and Museum Tour with Lunch (From £213.46)
- Hotels near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- (0.26 mi) The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- (0.36 mi) The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
- (0.48 mi) Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
- (0.52 mi) Hilton Kuala Lumpur
- (0.55 mi) Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
- Restaurants near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- (0.01 mi) Museum Restaurant
- (0.05 mi) Nurin's Delights
- (0.15 mi) Hornbill restaurant and cafe
- (0.17 mi) Nasi Lemak Tanglin
- (0.51 mi) Iketeru Restaurant
- Attractions near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- (0.09 mi) Royal Malaysia Police Museum
- (0.13 mi) National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
- (0.08 mi) One Day Pilot
- (0.05 mi) Bamboo Playhouse
- (0.06 mi) Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens