Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

A world-class museum of Islamic art, textiles, ceramics, manuscripts and scale mosque models, in a beautiful domed building beside the National Mosque. Calm, air-conditioned, rarely crowded, and only RM20. One of KL's genuinely underrated gems, easily a couple of absorbing hours.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Islamic Arts Museum worth visiting?

Very much so, it's one of KL's best museums and consistently underrated by visitors. The collection spans textiles, ceramics, arms, jewelry, manuscripts, and beautiful scale models of the world's great mosques, all in a serene, well-designed building.

How do I get to the Islamic Arts Museum?

It's about a 10-minute walk from KL Sentral, or a very short Grab. It sits right beside the National Mosque and within the Perdana Botanical Gardens area, so it's easy to combine several sights.

What are the museum's opening hours?

It's open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, with shorter hours during Ramadan and closures on the two Hari Raya holidays. Last entry is a little before closing, so arrive by mid-afternoon to do it justice.

How long do I need at the Islamic Arts Museum?

Plan on 1.5 to 2.5 hours to see the main galleries at a comfortable pace. Art lovers can easily spend longer, and there's a well-regarded restaurant and gift shop if you want to linger.

What's near the Islamic Arts Museum?

You're steps from the National Mosque and inside the Perdana Botanical Gardens, with the National Museum and the Bird Park close by too. It's the anchor of a very walkable museum-and-garden quarter.

How much is admission to the Islamic Arts Museum?

Adults pay RM20, students and Malaysian seniors RM10, and children under 6 are free. It's excellent value for the size and quality of the collection.

Is there a dress code at the museum?

No strict dress code, it's a museum rather than a place of worship, so normal modest clothing is fine. If you're also visiting the neighboring National Mosque, dress to cover shoulders and knees for that.

Is the Islamic Arts Museum good for kids or a rainy day?

It's a great rainy-day option, cool, indoors, and spacious, and the mosque models and colorful galleries hold kids' interest reasonably well. It's calm enough that you can go at your own pace.

Nearby in Ask Kuala Lumpur

• Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (KL Bird Park)Attraction0.17 km · 2 min walk
• National Mosque (Masjid Negara)Attraction0.27 km · 3 min walk
• Perdana Botanical GardensPark0.43 km · 5 min walk
• Acme Bar & Coffee (ABC)Restaurant0.44 km · 5 min walk
• National Museum (Muzium Negara)Museum0.53 km · 7 min walk