Welcome to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, officially opened on December 12, 1998, and renowned as the largest museum of Islamic arts in Southeast Asia. Spanning a massive 30,000 square meters, this iconic landmark features a modern 21st-century exterior adorned with striking turquoise-colored tiled domes and an iwan-style entrance embellished by Iranian tile workers. Inside, you will discover over seven thousand artifacts from across the Islamic world spread across twelve gallery spaces on two distinct levels.
Level one guides you through dedicated galleries for Architecture, Qur’an and other Manuscripts, as well as the unique arts of India, China, and the Malay Peninsula. On level two, you can explore galleries displaying Arms & Armor, Textiles, Jewelry, and Coins, alongside spaces categorizing items by materials including Metal, Wood, Ceramics, and ancient Islamic glassware. A true highlight of your visit is one of the museum's most famous permanent exhibitions: a faithfully restored, complete early-nineteenth-century Ottoman Room.
Whether you are admiring intricate craftsmanship or traditional architectural details, this expansive space offers an unforgettable look into Islamic artistic heritage.
What to see at Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
- Explore the largest museum of Islamic arts in Southeast Asia featuring over 7,000 artifacts
- Step inside a fully restored, early-19th-century Ottoman Room
- View 12 gallery spaces covering manuscripts, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and ancient glassware
- Admire the iconic turquoise-tiled domes and Iranian-tiled iwan entrance
Visiting tips
You can easily reach the museum on foot by walking west from the Kuala Lumpur railway station.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is easy to reach on Kuala Lumpur’s public transport, and pairs naturally with National Mosque of Malaysia and Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kuala Lumpur travel guide.
See the full Kuala Lumpur travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.