The Borneo Cultures Museum's black-and-gold diamond facade is inspired by a Sarawakian craft motif. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
After a 15-month delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the new Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) in Kuching finally opened its doors last month to much anticipation.
And the wait has certainly been worth it.
Borneo Cultures Museum
The Borneo Cultures Museum's black-and-gold diamond facade is inspired by a Sarawakian craft motif. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
Terracotta heads from the Majapahit Empire displayed in the "Time Changes" gallery. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
Omen birds are an important part of traditional beliefs in Borneo. In this interactive display, visitors learn about different bird calls, flight patterns and how they are interpreted as good or bad omens. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
The “In Harmony with Nature” gallery explores the rich culture and lifestyle of Sarawak’s multiethnic communities in relationship with the natural environment. Among the exhibits is this “kaul” boat used by the Melanau during the “kaul seraheng kakan” ritual to bring offerings to the river mouth. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
The “Sarawak in Motion” section of the “Time Changes” gallery covers the state’s recent history from 1941 to the 1990s. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
Head trophies from enemies were usually hung over a fireplace in the verandah of a longhouse as part of rituals celebrating bravery and warfare. These skulls were previously on display at the Sarawak Museum. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
With over 6,000sq m of exhibition space, the Borneo Cultures Museum is the largest in Malaysia and second largest in South-East Asia. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
An immersive experience of travelling along rivers marks the first stop in the Children’s Gallery. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
A recreation of the Niah Painted Cave provides an immersive experience with interactive cave paintings on the walls. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
The Proclamation of the Independence of Sarawak and the Proclamation of Malaysia which were read at a proclamation ceremony declaring the formation of Malaysia at Central Padang, now Padang Merdeka, in Kuching on Sept 16, 1963. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
Archaeological work and discoveries from the Niah Caves are displayed in the first section of the "Time Changes" gallery. Photo: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee
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