Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (centre), and Sultanah Nur Zahirah (second right) with Ken Holdings Berhad founder and executive chairman Datuk Kenny Tan (left) during a tour of Ken Museum in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 12. The museum’s glass floor showcases broken porcelain study pieces, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of historical Chinese artefacts. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
Ken Museum, launched today (Nov 12) at Menara Ken in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, adds a dedicated space for history and culture to a building already home to an art gallery and a performing arts theatre (The Platform).
By bringing these creative disciplines together under one roof, the new museum not only showcases heritage and artistic expression but also strengthens the building’s role as an engaging hub for cultural dialogue and discovery.
Ken Museum's opening was officiated this morning by the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who was accompanied by Sultanah Nur Zahirah.
The entrance of the Ken Museum, which opens its doors to the public on Nov 13. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
Ken Museum's collection comes from the private archive of Ken Holdings founder and executive chairman Datuk Kenny Tan, who also curated the museum’s displays. A collector since the 1980s, he said the museum reflects decades of dedication to preserving and sharing history.
“I don’t consider myself the owner of these pieces, but rather a custodian of history meant to be shared with the public. I’ve always been fascinated by how every object, whether an imperial vase or a humble household item, carries a story of the time it came from," said Tan at the museum launch event.
"Collecting has taught me to learn from both the extraordinary and the everyday. Some artefacts here, like those displayed in the glass floor, are study pieces – for example, a broken porcelain shard that reveals the structure within. These allow us to understand craftsmanship," he added.
Ken Museum, on Menara Ken's Level 12, spans 1,400sq m across six halls: Ancient, Main, Yuan-Ming, Qing, Century, and Cultural. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
Located on Level 12, Ken Museum spans 1,400sq m and features six exhibition halls – the Ancient Hall, Main Hall, Yuan-Ming Hall, Qing Hall, Century Hall, and Cultural Hall.
Over 500 artefacts are on display, dating from 960 BC to the 19th century, including vases, pottery, Chinese ink paintings, sculptures, books, manuscripts, Ming Dynasty furniture and other relics. Many items come from China, with others sourced from London and New York, offering a glimpse into the historic trade networks that once connected Asia and beyond.
With his team, Tan said preparing the museum meant carefully authenticating each artefact for historical accuracy.
Visitors reading the exhibition notes in one of the halls at the Ken Museum. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
“I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. Authenticity is crucial, so we don’t mislead the public. People can have their own opinions about quality or concept, but above all, it must be genuine to convey history accurately,” he said.
With the Ken Museum now officially open, Tan hopes it will become a collaborative space, inviting experts, researchers, and historians to share their insights.
Proceeds from museum contributions will also support the Ken Foundation, funding initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare – extending the museum’s role from preservation to meaningful social impact.
Open weekdays 9am to 5pm, a suggested RM20 contribution grants access to the museum and the Ken Gallery on the mezzanine.
