GETTING TO KNOW MALAYSIA THRU MUZIUM NEGARA
I have a day to spare while in Kuala Lumpur. In an attempt to discover more of Malaysia, I decided to visit the repository of Malaysia’s rich cultural and historical heritage – the Muzium Negara or the National Museum of Malaysia.
This
will be my first to enter a national museum without any companion. With nothing to expect, I paid the 5 MYR
(approximately PhP55.00) admission fee, and proceed to the varied galleries.
 |
| ENTRANCE TO THE MUSEUM |
Surrounding
the national museum building at its grounds, guests take photos of themselves
with the number of outdoor displays of public transportation in Malaysia, both
past and present. An interesting display
which caught my attention is the Steam Locomotive made by Kitson & Co.,
England which was put into service in 1921 until it ceased operation in
1969. There are also motorized vehicles
like civic and private vehicles, rickshaws and carts including an early 1.3
litre Proton saga.
The National Museum houses four main galleries with main subjects on ethnology and natural history. Displays range from the ordinary wares to art masterpieces. And it comes on varied occasions and eras of the Malaysian history, even traditional weddings through time are depicted.
I was reminded of the Ho Chi Minh Museum when I entered the Central Hall of the National Museum of Malaysia, where a grand staircase leads to the second floor of the building and the carved panels on the ceilings are intricate and meticulously patterned. Ho Chi Minh and Kuala Lumpur museums have similar layout.
 |
| AT THE GRAND STAIRCASE OF HCMC NATIONAL MUSEUM |
 |
| THE MOSAIC TILES AND GRAND STAIRCASE OF MALAYSIA NATIONAL MUSEUM |
There
are quite a number of traditional costumes, weapons, musical instruments, arts
and crafts, ceramics, flora and fauna. I
find the diorama interesting as well that I stayed for minutes watching the
same.
Curious
children asked their parents about ceramics and its history. The museum was flocked by Korean and Japanese
nationals that day. I stood alone and
transfer from one gallery to another with the thought that it would be more fun
if I am with someone who I can change opinions and observations. And there were local children on a field trip
guided by their teacher, all lined up for every gallery they enter into.
The
second floor of the museum has a different concept. The galleries are dedicated to the colonial
history paving the way to Independence.
The royal headgears of the Malay rulers are the main attractions on this
side of the National Museum.
I
noticed also Malaysian costumes displayed worn by their nationals at different
parts of the world. Currently, it is
evident that Malaysia is aggressive on uniting the Asian nations. If there are museums mostly themed on war and
some on arts and crafts, Muzium Negara
is centered more on how they reach out to all nations and how it can be the
perfect hub for the Asian integration.
National Museum of Malaysia
Muzium Negara
Jalan
Damansara, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
How I went there: From KL Sentral Station, they say it’s a walking distance to the museum. But why should I walk when there’s a free bus. The GO KL City Bus (red line) is available at KL Sentral Station and two stops from the latter is the Muzium Negara.
GO
KL City Bus Operating Hours: 6:00AM to 11:00PM daily and 7:00am to 11:00PM on
weekends and holidays. For peak hours on
weekdays (7AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM), frequency is every five minutes while
others every 10 minutes.
0 comments