Museums in KL City Centre (Kuala Lumpur)

Galeri Petronas

Housed in the world's tallest building, Petronas Twin Towers, this state-of-the-art gallery was established in 1992. The international class art space provides a venue for artists, both Malaysian and foreign, to display their artworks. Since opening, the gallery has hosted some 50 exhibitions, drawing countless local and foreign visitors. The spacious 2,000 square meter gallery has high-tech features enabling it to accommodate the most prestigious international collections. There is also an Art Resource Center containing a collection of art-related books, journals and audio-visual materials for public reference. The Galeri Shop sells mementos of this magnificent gallery.

Telekom Museum

Experience an innovative walk through this neo-classical, Greek-styled museum. The 70-year-old two-story building contains eight imposing columns and features a sprawling 900 square meters of exhibition space. It is the first interactive museum in the country. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the museum displays archives of the nation's telecommunications development spanning 120 years from the Morse code telegraph to the present cellular phones and digital networks. A great place for family outings and admission is free!

Kuala Lumpur City Library

Located inside a two-story building, this memorial was established in 1989. It serves as a public library, an exhibition space and a resource center. Its display of pictures and artifacts provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse of the history and development of the city. This 1909 building that houses the museum is gazetted as an historical monument and is one of the major landmarks of Kuala Lumpur.

Pucuk Rebung Museum Gallery

This unique centre houses an extensive collection of Malaysian art and artifacts with special focus on the old Malay work, including antique fabrics, metalwork, jewelery, wood, fibre, paper, photos, porcelain, pottery, glass and crystal, along with contemporary art. Visitors can browse in a museum environment, acquire treasures to enhance their own collection, pick up gift items or enjoy part of the permanent collection of the museum.

Petrosains

Located within the imposing Petronas Twin Towers building, Petrosains is a modern museum housing many exciting exhibits. Covering a total area of 100,000 square feet, this interactive science discovery center traces the development of petroleum science and technology. Among the interesting exhibits are hi-tech presentations of a singing dinosaur and a smoking volcano. The discovery journey through forest, ocean and sky, and the simulation helicopter flight in a tropical storm is just as thrilling and engaging. There are also live science demonstrations and a child play center.

Badan Warisan Malaysia

This heritage center was established in 1983 in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia. Located in a 1925 Tudor building, it was set up with the aim of preserving Malaysia's architectural heritage. Within the premises is a reference library for public use and a gift shop. Outside, there is a bamboo hut built by the indigenous tribe of the Temiar community. One of the interesting features here is a restored Malay timber house known as the "Rumah Penghulu," formerly the home of a local headman in Kedah. Admission: Free.

National Archives of Malaysia

Experience a nostalgic walk through the nation's past in the National Archives. Formerly known as the Public Records Office, it assumed the present name in 1963. The archives hold a collection of over 25,000 still images portraying the social and economic life of Malaysia. These photographs were accumulated from public, statutory boards in Malaysia and private collectors. The archives contain historical and priceless exhibits—where each tells its own story. Admission: Free

Dodo Art and Craft

Established in 1986, this gallery now has eight branches throughout Malaysia and caters for both local and export markets. The gallery features collectibles, handicrafts and artworks from various parts of South-east Asia. The artifacts are made of timber, metal and ceramic. A visit to this gallery will give an insight of the beauty of South-east Asia in the form of art. Prices are reasonable and delivery can be arranged.

Art De Esteem

The paintings here are in gold-painted and ornately carved frames. The subjects are predominantly olden-day Chinese ladies and children. These paintings are prominently displayed at the entrance, propped on easels. The artists are mainly from Hong Kong and Taiwan. There are works by local artists too, mostly still life: portraying fruits, flowers, fish, scenery and buildings. Inside, some of the paintings are unframed and are stacked on tables. Often prices are not displayed so the assistant may need to call the artist for price checks. Make sure you call for gallery timings before you plan to make a visit.