Flame relit for the who’s who of Johor

Visitors checking out informative and engaging exhibits at Muzium Tokoh Johor which sits in the splendour of the 1893 building once home to the state’s first mentri besar. — Filepic

Muzium Tokoh Johor attracted more than 6,000 local and international visitors in its first month of reopening following extensive renovations.

Its general manager Badly Shah Abu Bakar said more were expected through a collaboration with Johor Education Department, while a special event was being planned for National Day.

“The museum was closed for about five years and reopened on June 5.

“Drawing 6,000 visitors in the first month was pretty promising.

“The number dropped a little in the second month, but started seeing an upward trend in August as we just launched an initiative with the Education Department to promote the museum to students.

“Our aim is to attract at least 200 people daily,” he said, adding that the Visit Johor 2026 tourism campaign was also expected to boost visitor numbers.

Visitors checking out informative and engaging exhibits at Muzium Tokoh Johor which sits in the splendour of the 1893 building once home to the state’s first mentri besar. — Filepic

For National Day, Badly Shah said the museum would hold a three-day event focusing on cultural performances and activities.

“We are in the midst of finalising it. We hope to have more events, depending on the success of this first one.”

He said the museum featured collections of historical artefacts and exhibits highlighting Johor’s prominent figures.

“The individuals highlighted are not only state leaders, but also Johoreans who have contributed to the state and country.

“This includes athletes and even the designer of the Jalur Gemilang who is from Johor.”

Muzium Tokoh Johor.

According to information from Johor Heritage Foundation’s website, Muzium Tokoh Johor was the official residence of the state’s first mentri besar, Datuk Jaafar Muhammad.

It was built in 1893 on a 40.4ha site in Bukit Senyum, Johor Baru, with its architecture resembling that of English aristocratic buildings such as Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.

Among its main attractions is the Grand Mansion @ Bukit Senyum exhibition, which showcases the history and unique features of Jaafar’s residence through 3D animation, as well as an exhibition on Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Johor 1895 (Johor state constitution).

Muzium Tokoh Johor is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm, with a break for Friday prayers.