The Islamic Arts Museum has been on our Kuala Lumpur bucket list since we moved here, but our adventures often led us to indoor playgrounds or beyond the city’s boundaries.
When my aunt, a museum enthusiast from The Netherlands, came to visit, we finally seized the opportunity to explore the museum.
In this review, I’ll share our experience, providing a glimpse into what families can expect from a visit to this educational and fascinating museum.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Islamic Arts Museum
We explored the vibrant culture of Islam in one of the most popular museums in Kuala Lumpur, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. We were impressed and can truly say that whether you’re a cultural history buff or a curious visitor, this museum is a must-visit for all locals and tourists.
IAMM will take you on an immersive journey where you’ll learn about the history, culture, clothing, trade, ways of life, and traditions of Islam spanning centuries. Everything from its charming 21st-century exterior adorned with Islamic design elements to the elaborate collection of Islamic artifacts spread across two floors brings visitors an eye-opening experience into the Islamic world’s artistic heritage.
The Architecture, Quran & Manuscript, India, China, and Malay Galleries are on the first floor. Meanwhile, the second floor houses the Jewelry, Textile, Living with Wood, Arms & Armour, Coin & Seal, Metalworks, and Ceramics Galleries. The most eye-catching exhibitions are the early architectural models of mosques from around the globe on the second floor and the excellent display of ancient Islamic texts, clothing, weaponry, and jewelry.
They also have two special galleries, each on the lower ground and ground floor, showcasing temporary exhibitions for photography art. IAMM also hosts workshops and classes occasionally, so if you’re interested in immersing yourself more in the culture, check out their page here for their list of educational activities.
Lastly, the museum has a restaurant, museum shop, a children’s library, and a Scholar’s Library boasting an expansive collection of Islamic art books and journals for every student and researcher’s needs.
Museum Quest for Kids (8 years and above)
If you bring your kids along for an educational trip to the Islamic arts, get the museum quest for a more fun experience. Kids aged 8 years and above can learn about Islam’s fascinating art, history, and culture in a fun way through a quest of quizzes and activities.
This interactive and colorful mini booklet is available for RM 4.00 at the ticket counter. Your kids can fill in as they explore the galleries. Once they’ve filled in the booklet, they will get a stamp of accomplishment at the end!
Children’s Library
The in-house Children’s Library welcomes families with children aged 7 and below! Young minds can enjoy browsing the children’s books, which vary from nonfiction to fiction, and admire the library’s amazing display of colorful artifacts.
The library also holds special programs and activities for children during weekends, so watch out for those! The activities change monthly, so if you want to keep track of what’s on for the month, stay updated on the children’s weekend activities.
Where is the Islamic Arts Museum located?
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is located near the Perdana Botanical Gardens. It is surrounded by neighboring attractions such as the National Mosque of Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police Museum, the National Planetarium, and KL Bird Park.
What are the opening hours of the Islamic Arts Museum?
IAMM is open from 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM daily for seven days a week.
The museum hours during Ramadan are from 9.30 AM to 5.00 PM, with 4.30 PM as the last entry. It’s also open seven days a week, including Public Holidays and during Ramadan.
IAMM will be closed on Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji. For 2024, the date of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) is on the 10th and 11th of April. Meanwhile, Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) falls on the 17th of June. Dates change yearly because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.
TIP: Click here to read our Ramadan Guide for celebrating Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur
How Much is the Islamic Arts Museum ticket price?
We purchased the tickets at the ticket counter when we entered the museum; we did not book the tickets in advance. Ticket prices for the Islamic Arts Museum cost the following:
| Adults | RM 20.00 |
| Students | RM 10.00 |
| Senior citizens (Malaysian) | RM 10.00 |
| Senior citizens (Non-Malaysian) | RM 20.00 |
Children aged five and below can enter for free. Students can show their ID upon buying the tickets at the Customer Service counter at the lobby of the museum. They accept cash or card for payment.
Our Review of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Our visit to the Islamic Arts Museum was a memorable experience, starting with a hassle-free purchase of tickets right at the museum. We found the entrance fee of 20RM per person to be very reasonable, with the added bonus of free entry for kids below 6 years.
Our journey began in the Special Gallery, where we saw an exhibit on calligraphy.
We then ascended to the first floor, where we spent a considerable amount of time admiring the architecture gallery. Our daughter enjoyed looking at the mosques on display. However, as we progressed, she grew a bit impatient, despite her enjoyment of the textile section with its wedding costumes and the dazzling jewelry section. I took her to the kid’s library, where we enjoyed reading books, while the others continued to explore the second floor.
We also visited the souvenir shop, which was far from your average gift store. It offered a selection of sophisticated art and gifts, making it a perfect place to find unique souvenirs from our visit.
Is the Islamic Arts Museum worth visiting?
Yes, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the Islamic art and culture. With the abundant exhibitions and incredible display of artifacts, it can take more than a few hours to explore all the galleries.
There’s so much to see from the inside; if you can’t go through it in a day, we recommend returning for a second time. We liked it, but wouldn’t recommend it for young children. Our 4-year-old didn’t make it through until the end, so I took her to the kid’s library at the museum, which was great.
Kids 8 years old and above have a museum quest, which you can purchase for RM4 at the Customer Service Centre, making it more fun for the older kids.
Related Posts:
Soaring Above KL: Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur Review
Review of Our Trip to the Batu Caves in Malaysia
Petrosains, The Discovery Centre Kuala Lumpur Review
Let’s Talk About Money! – Our Bank Negara Malaysia Museum Review
To Read This Later, save this image on Your pinterest:
