Islamic Arts Museum and National Mosque of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Oct 16, 2024 | Asia, Malaysia, Museum, Religion

The Islamic Arts Museum offers a comprehensive collection of Islamic art from around the globe.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
National Mosque of Malaysia: Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date Picture Taken: August, 2024

Opened in 1998, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Islamic art.

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses over 12,000 artifacts spread across 12 galleries. Its collections span the Islamic world, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, China, India, and more.

Islamic Architecture Gallery: A gallery featuring detailed models of some of the most famous mosques and buildings in the Islamic world, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq, and the Taj Mahal in India.

Qur’ans and Manuscripts Gallery: This gallery showcases a vast collection of Qur’ans and Islamic manuscripts from various parts of the world. The museum is known for its collection of beautifully illuminated Qur’ans, some of which date back centuries.

The Kiswa

Decorative Elements in Islamic Art

Astronomical Instruments

Metalwork and Woodwork Gallery: The museum displays Islamic metal and woodwork, including engraved brassware, chandeliers, doors, and furniture.

Ceramics, Pottery, and Glassware Gallery: This section features exquisite examples of Islamic pottery, ceramics, and glassware from regions such as Iran, Egypt, and Turkey.

Jewelry: This gallery displays Islamic jewelry, including pieces adorned with precious stones and gold.

Textiles Gallery: The museum’s textiles gallery features traditional Islamic clothing, textiles, and fabrics from various cultures, including embroidered garments, carpets, and prayer rugs.

Arms & Armor Gallery: This gallery displays crafted arms and armor from different parts of the Islamic world.

Textiles Gallery: The museum’s textiles gallery features traditional Islamic clothing, textiles, and fabrics from various cultures, including embroidered garments, carpets, and prayer rugs.

More textiles

More weapons and armours

Coins

Metal Wares

Ceramics

Special Photo Exhibition

The next place visited was the National Mosque of Malaysia, which was located close to the Islamic Arts Museum.

The National Mosque was officially opened on 27 August 1965. It was built as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence, which was gained in 1957, and it represents the country’s commitment to Islam as its official religion.

The National Mosque serves as the primary place of worship for Muslims in Kuala Lumpur, particularly for Friday prayers (Jum’ah). It also plays a central role during important Islamic festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) and Hari Raya Aidiladha (Eid al-Adha).

The prayer hall can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The hall is supported by slender columns and is adorned with Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns, creating an expansive, open space for worship.