At the 'Into The Frameless' exhibition in the National Art Gallery, the national art collection goes immersive and digital. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
This Sunday (May 18), make International Museum Day your reason to explore. Whether you’re a museum regular or just looking for something different to do, step into a gallery – you might just walk out inspired.
The good news for museum lovers nationwide is that all 19 museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) will be open for free this Sunday. That includes crowd favourites like the Muzium Negara (National Museum), the National Automobile Museum in Sepang (Selangor), the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Kedah, and the Malaysia Architecture Museum in Melaka.
In a recent social media post, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang encouraged Malaysians to explore the richness of the nation’s history, cultural diversity, and the spirit of unity that lies at the heart of its identity.
“From north to south, east to west, museums are where the legacy of the past meets the aspirations of the future – connecting communities through unity and a shared love for history. Let’s visit JMM museums across the country and celebrate our heritage together,” he said.
Take your pick and plan a visit to any of the museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia – there’s something for everyone to discover.
If you’re planning a day out in the Kuala Lumpur, here are six museums to put on your list:
Visitors view the 'Congkak Burung Petalawati' exhibit at the 'Semangat Asean' regional showcase in Muzium Negara (National Museum). Photo: Bernama
MUZIUM NEGARA (NATIONAL MUSEUM)
With galleries on archaeology, culture, economy, and modern history, Muzium Negara offers an overview of Malaysia’s story – complete with life-sized dioramas and artefacts, from traditional weapons to national records. It’s a great stop for families, students, or anyone curious about the country’s roots. This Sunday, check Muzium Negara's social media for planned activities like multilingual guided tours, traditional games, and dance performances. While you’re there, pop by the nearby Ethnology of the Malay World Museum and Orang Asli Crafts Museum too.
The 'Oceans That Speak' exhibition in IAMM explores cultural exchanges that shaped the Malay world in the region. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias
ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA (IAMM)
One of the largest and most beautiful museums in Malaysia, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) houses over 7,000 artefacts – from manuscripts and jewellery to textiles and intricate architectural models. The building itself is a work of art, with elegant domes, open courtyards, and calming natural light. The ongoing exhibition Oceans That Speak: Islam And The Emergence Of The Malay World traces the country’s origins and the spread of Islam across the region. Don’t miss IAMM's Museum Open Day on May 21 (next Wednesday), when the international standard space will come alive with booths, performances, curator-led tours, and more.
Through private collections, the UR-MU museums offer art lovers a gallery experience that blends thoughtful curation, art history, and a sense of fun. The Star/M. Irsyad
UR-MU (URBAN MUSEUM)
Private art museums are still a relatively new addition to downtown Kuala Lumpur, and UR-MU is leading the charge with three distinct spaces across the city. Blending contemporary art with KL’s creative energy, UR-MU showcases a mix of local and international works – from paintings and provocative pieces to playful, Insta-worthy multimedia art and 1990s Malaysian highlights from the Pakhruddin Sulaiman collection. During Museum Week (May 13–18), UR-MU is offering free guided tours to help visitors dive deeper into the exhibitions. On May 16, all three locations – Bukit Bintang, The Toffee (Raja Chulan) and +n by UR-MU (Jalan Tun HS Lee) – will be open to the public for free. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fresh and urban, UR-MU is well worth the trip to the city.
This Sunday, the National Textile Museum offers free admission and special activities for International Museum Day. Photo: National Textile Museum
NATIONAL TEXTILE MUSEUM
This museum, though modest in size, weaves together the story of Malaysia’s textile heritage. From the intricate art of batik to the rich traditions of songket and pua kumbu, it highlights how fabric has shaped identity and culture across the country. The galleries are thoughtfully arranged, featuring traditional garments, tools, and weaving techniques. It’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in fashion, design, or cultural history. Conveniently located near Dataran Merdeka, the National Textile Museum makes for a welcome detour on a city walk.
A view of the 'Palette And Pen' exhibition at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
No need to worry about admission here – entry is free. Housed within Malaysia’s central bank, this unique museum blends finance, art, and culture in one engaging space. The galleries present the nation’s monetary history in a fun, interactive way, making it ideal for both children and adults. Currently on show at Level 2 is Numismatic Marvels, an exhibition tracing the evolution of currency – from the world’s first coin and earliest banknotes to cowrie shells. It also brings to life the stories of 20 ancient South-East Asian kingdoms through coins and currency. Literature and art also come together in Palette And Pen, a new exhibition that explores the creative intersections between Asean visual art and writing.
A view of the 'Nusa' exhibition at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
NATIONAL ART GALLERY
Here’s another free admission national institution worth checking out. Nusa, an expansive exhibition spanning five galleries and featuring over 460 works from the national collection, is reason enough to visit – and its set to close later this year, so catch it while you can. Also on now at the National Art Gallery is the newly opened Into The Frameless, an immersive art experience, and Single, a showcase featuring emerging artist Daisy Ooi that’s sure to resonate with a new generation of art lovers. For those interested in local art history, the ongoing Chung Chen Sun archive project is not to be missed. The Art Hospital is another highlight – keep an eye out for guided tours to make the most of your visit.
