(Update: This museum is permanently closed). 

Evelyn and I were in downtown KL for Mud The Musical: The Story of Kuala Lumpur recently. The theatre is close to a few other attractions, such as the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Merdeka Square and a few museums. After the show, we still had about two hours before closing time, so we walked over to the Music Museum nearby.

The road in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is closed on Sundays for Car-Free Morning, so tourists can walk around and take their time snapping pix.

This late 19th-century building, done in the style of Moorish-Revival architecture, originally housed the offices of the British colonial administration. After independence, it was home to Malaysia’s Supreme Courts – namely the Federal Court, Court of Appeals, and the High Court of Malaya (they’ve since shifted to Putrajaya). Currently, it houses the offices of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture  of Malaysia, and is a prominent feature of KL’s landscape.

And here’s our destination! Built in 1919, this elegant colonial-era building used to be home to the KL branch of Chartered Bank, before it was converted into the National History Museum. The latter has since been moved elsewhere. Last year, the building was reopened as KL’s Music Museum, where guests can learn more about the country’s musical instruments and history. Despite being close to a decade old, the building is still well kept so kudos to our national heritage body. 🙂

Only the first floor was open during our visit. It had a wide collection of musical instruments used by the different ethnic groups in Malaysia, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, Iban, Kadazan, as well as Western instruments.

The displays are separated according to ethnic group and region, with helpful LCD displays. Visitors can also press on the icons to hear the sounds produced by the different instruments.

Forgot the name of this, but it’s a traditional Malay string instrument. Look at the ornate carvings and detailing on the stem! 🙂

An old gramophone.

Our tour took less than half an hour, but the stuff was pretty informative. Good to pop in for a visit if you’re ever around the vicinity.

Admission is free.

MUSIC MUSEUM KUALA LUMPUR 

29, Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Phone:+60 3-2604 0176

Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM