Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
4.5
About
Large open-plan museum on four levels with an impressive collection of Islamic artifacts. The wood carvings are a consistent favorite.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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How to get there
- Pasar Seni • 8 min walk
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3,471 within 5 kms
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335 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- Hanan BRamat Gan, Israel536 contributionsA Must VisitThis museum should be a required visit by tourists visiting KL. It deals with a great deal of the culture, crafts and history of the Muslim world, and as such bestows a great deal of honor to that world. A great deal of thought and effort went into the curating of the museum. The sheer amount of material on display requires a long visit or several shorter ones.Visited February 2020Travelled soloWritten 20 February 2020
- Pietro MPhnom Penh, Cambodia110 contributionsFantastic Collection Of Islamic Cultural ArtifactsI had a wonderful learning experience exploring the many levels and exhibits. I spent the early morning at the Botanical Gardens and was allowed entry 30 minutes early into the museum, which was amazing as I had each exhibit to myself for the first hour or so. Shoutout to the super nice staff for letting me in early as I was completely oblivious to the opening time. There's around 12 total exhibits, ranging from Textiles, Ceramics, Armour and Weaponry, Woodwork, etc. Each is chock full of amazing artifacts that are clearly well maintained. There's plenty of signage to contextualize these pieces which is much appreciated as some other museums I've been to in the region don't bother to fully build out their exhibits. If you're by the Botanical Gardens or are looking for a rainy day escape, you can easily spend a couple hours here admiring all the art. Pricing is reasonable at 14 rm for adults and 7 rm for students. Highly recommend.Visited July 2022Travelled soloWritten 22 July 2022
- Anne WLondon, United Kingdom98 contributionsSo peacefulIt’s all been said and written about the National Islamic Museum of Art. Even if you’re neither here nor there about museums don’t miss this beautiful and tranquil place. Go early and while away a couple or so hours and then think seriously about visiting The Moza (Mosaic) Restaurant that overlooks the Fountain Garden. The food is of a very high quality as is the standard of service. This restaurant certainly deserves its high reviews.Visited January 2020Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,527 reviews
Excellent
2,114
Very good
1,125
Average
235
Poor
45
Terrible
9
Adrian B
Canberra, Australia60 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is a wonderful arts museum and is really good for those who may have limited knowledge of Islamic art and culture. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here admiring the art and artefacts, and it also has a very pleasant adjoining restaurant. This should be included on any visitor's itinerary in KL.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie35_15
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates26 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
A fabulous surprise, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Islam but in particular of orientalist art, with the preeminent collection of European master paintings far exceeding that on display in Paris or Berlin; truly mesmerising. A must see for any one who appreciates great art!
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CAM
London, UK391 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
From the moment we entered this museum, we were made to feel very welcome. The entrance fee was modest & there were reduced rates for my student children. The exhibits are set out across two floors and showcase the excellence and beauty of Islamic architecture, design and craftsmanship. We enjoyed looking at the textiles, tiles, jewellery and woodwork. The shop is fantastic and we bought some mementos which we are currently getting framed. Highly recommended.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
serena
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Amazingly detailed and extensive museum. It has a variety of incredible paintings and artefacts from across the Islamic world, and it is very informative and thorough in its descriptions. The architectural exhibit was my favourite, with some of the best architectural models I've ever seen and detailed descriptions of mosques and mausoleums in different geographic areas of the Islamic world.
I was also impressed by the architecture of the museum itself, which has several unique domes that are intricately painted and decorated. The gift shop was also full of interesting books and high-quality souvenirs.
I was also impressed by the architecture of the museum itself, which has several unique domes that are intricately painted and decorated. The gift shop was also full of interesting books and high-quality souvenirs.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mapfay
Devon, UK32 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Truly amazing Museum, probably the best I’d been to on my travels. Amazing building, great artefacts, captivating pictures, curated really cleverly. An immensely enjoyable experience and a must visit location in KL.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
631BarbaraM
Inwood, WV169 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Beautiful building with wonderful exhibits. This is a must visit when in KL. Beautifully curated and so informative. Wonderful gift shop with lovely items as well as noteworthy books. Amazing place devoted entirely to the culture of Islam in the many places Islam thrived.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenny L
2 contributions
Jul 2023
This place is better run museum with lots of interesting artifacts and oriental arts. We just recently visited a set of museums in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. This place has to be the top 1 or 2. The other museum includes the famous National Palace Museum in Taipei.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
guillermo
Philippines934 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
One of the best museums I have gone through my lifetime of travel. A few of those museums that they Islamic stories, arts and culture. A must for those who love on Asian and Islamic culture. I’m not a Muslim, but this history simply amazes me.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tien
Singapore, Singapore4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Very well curated museum with an impressive collection. The main collection spans 2 levels and has a wide range of artifacts. The curatorial framing strikes a wonderful balance between art historical research and public-friendly presentation. Due to time constraints I didn't manage to finish the main collection but I learned a lot from what I saw. I came in July 2023 and there was an exhibition that will be on display until October 2023, which is called Orientalist Paintings. Very impressive for a temporary exhibition: well curated and the number of paintings displayed is much higher than my expectations. Overall a good place to learn about Islamic art.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mavi5
Invercargill, New Zealand65 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
What a beautiful place - the building itself architecturally in keeping with the collection. Each of the floors has its own speciality, from C16 paintings of Muslim life by European artists, to the illuminations of the Quran and the models of mosques from around the world.
We loved being able to wander and appreciate the collection and on each floor admire the art work on the domes.
The temperature is regulated and dehumidified which made our mid day experience even more enjoyable. The staff there were helpful and welcoming and not at all obtrusive.
Recommended!
We loved being able to wander and appreciate the collection and on each floor admire the art work on the domes.
The temperature is regulated and dehumidified which made our mid day experience even more enjoyable. The staff there were helpful and welcoming and not at all obtrusive.
Recommended!
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heddyhee
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia117 contributions
Hi, is there any dress code? Such as must wear full covered shoes, or pants’s length must be below knee?
Trotter-Rich
Berlin, Germany116 contributions
Hi there.
No there is no dress code for this museum. Normal vacation attire as you’d wear on any street in Malaysia will do.
Hera Saif
Wenzhou, China47 contributions
What is opening timings of the museum?
Mazmannan
Basingstoke, UK9,298 contributions
I reviewed this museum about a couple of weeks ago. In it I mentioned the opening times. An extract of my review is shown below. Have a lovely time there. It is definitely worth a visit.
Opening hours are daily from 9.30am to 6pm. The museum restaurant is closed on Mondays - and on other days is open from 9.30 am to 5.30pm.
Admission price is Rm14. Children under 6 years of age go free. There is discounted prices for school children and elders at RM7.
Ali Hassan
Lahore, Pakistan
Do I need to buy a tour or can I go own my own? What's the ticket price and what's the best way to get their own my own?
yss97
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,603 contributions
There is no need to buy a tour, you can go in on your own. The ticket is RM14 per adult. The nearest public transport stop is the old KL railway station, or use Grab - the local Uber.
Hi I would like to ask, is it allowed to take pictures inside the museum? if it is, do you think it's allowed to use tripod?
mohdmuzamil
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia20 contributions
yes i was allowed to take pictures
fiamma11
Vienna, VA4,860 contributions
Do you recommend a guide for this museum? Are things well labeled in English?
rosiejessica
Hong Kong, China39 contributions
I don't think you need a guide, but if only you are looking for a very detail information for it. The exhibits are clearly explain in English.
KASHOO188
Manchester, UK16 contributions
How long is a reasonable amount of time to spend here? And how much are tickets?
westham66
Scotland, UK52 contributions
It was around 30 MR for two adults. We spent about 2 hours looking at the exhibits.
We did not try the restaurant so cannot comment on that.
We enjoyed the museum and it was lovely and cool inside.
KASHOO188
Manchester, UK16 contributions
Hi is this place suitable for kids? And how far is the bird park?
RK_Girish_Menon
Singapore, Singapore27 contributions
It's within 5 minutes of KL Bird Park. Young kids will not find much to keep them entertained, as the exhibits are primarily of historical and cultural interest, I feel. The scale models of the various mosques and Islamic architecture would probably be the most interesting to younger visitors.
Sammie M
Derby, UK2 contributions
Hi,
How much would an Uber cost from Impianna KLCC to the museum and would the mosque be open for entry and prayers? What else is there to see and do in this area?
Thanks.
luluraad
Revesby, Australia52 contributions
Hello,
It should be around 10-15 ringgit but depends on time of day, taxis charge more if there is traffic. I always take a taxi that charges by the meter cause they try to rip you off. The national mosque is down the road and also the bird park is very close by too.
Kate H
Madison, WI3 contributions
I will be staying in the Bukit Bintang area on my trip to KL and I am wondering what the best way to get to museum from there is? It doesn't look like public transit makes its way out there.
Sulaiman H
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia49 contributions
Hi sKATEr4193,
There've a Grab/Uber/Taxi services which you can choose. The museum is about 50 meters from National Mosque KL.
dohaelleithy
Qatar284 contributions
I just want to ask about the restaurant inside the museum is it good? and the prices?
MEAFaro
Algarve, Portugal561 contributions
When we had lunch, in February, there was only a set menu, self service with several meze, one main (with two to choose) brought to the table and dessert buffet (2 or 3 varieties). We paid 40 euros for two, but we drank 3 drinks and 2 coffees (which are expensive). The food is good, we enjoyed it.
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Claim your listingISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
- We recommend booking Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 25 Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- Islamic Arts Museum Admission Ticket with Free One Way Transfer (From RM 113.93)
- Islamic Arts Museum Admission with Free Kuala Lumpur City Tour (From RM 161.92)
- History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour (From RM 291.43)
- Private Tour : Discover the History, Heritage & Culture of Malaysia (From RM 287.83)
- Kuala Lumpur Garden, Park and Museum Tour with Lunch (From RM 1,262.82)
- Hotels near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- (0.41 km) The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- (0.57 km) The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
- (0.83 km) Hilton Kuala Lumpur
- (0.78 km) Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
- (0.87 km) Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
- Restaurants near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- (0.02 km) Museum Restaurant
- (0.08 km) Nurin's Delights
- (0.23 km) Hornbill restaurant and cafe
- (0.23 km) Kakiyuki
- (0.27 km) Nasi Lemak Tanglin
- Attractions near Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia:
- (0.15 km) Royal Malaysia Police Museum
- (0.21 km) National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
- (0.12 km) One Day Pilot
- (0.07 km) Bamboo Playhouse
- (0.10 km) Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens