Inside the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur

Inside the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, you will find comprehensive collections from the Islamic world. It is filled with anything you want to know and related to the Islamic religion, its history, doctrine, and arts.

I really think that every visitor in the city should visit this gem of a museum. On the day I was there, there were only very few visitors roaming around. It was quiet and so I was able to take my time by reading the descriptions of the objects that caught my eyes. And boy, there were many of them! 😀 I stayed here for two hours and a half!

Where is the Islamic Arts Museum?

The museum is just a few meters from Masjid Negara, the National Mosque of Malaysia. While the mosque receives a lot of visitors everyday, I wonder why the Islamic Arts Museum isn’t as crowded as the mosque. The entrance fee to the museum is not even that expensive.

The Inverted Dome

One of the most unique things I noticed here is the museum’s inverted dome. I have been to a lot of mosques in the Middle East, museums and churches in Rome but I haven’t seen anything like this before. I was actually fascinated by it and I thought it’s a brilliant piece of architecture.

The Damascus Room

Another favourite of mine in this museum is the Damascus Room. It’s an Ottoman-period room and was off-limits to visitors. However, you can have a glimpse of it from its wide door. Take note of the vaulted arches, the bold and vibrant colors, the painted wood panels, and the ceiling. They are magnificent!

The Art of the Mosque

There is a museum section that talks about the art of the mosque. I find it very educational and enlightening to know why mosques have certain patterns or carry universal architectural characteristics.

But at the same time, mosques are also varied in many ways. You will enjoy looking at the miniature mosques on display that are classical in design.

The Kiswa

Don’t miss this. At first, I thought it was a kind of book but I was, of course, wrong! 😀 But what is Kiswa, you asked? Well, have you seen that cube-like structure in the middle of Islam’s holiest mosque in Mecca in Saudi Arabia? That cube is covered in black cloth or curtain – called Kiswa. The kiswa you will see here is the one that draped the door of Kaaba in 1964 AD. Embroidered with silver and gold calligraphy, the Kiswa is a fascinating display of Islamic culture and tradition.

Enjoy the rest of your virtual tour with these photos.

Hotel in Kuala Lumpur with a Sky Pool Overlooking KL’s Skyline

I stayed at Expressionz Suites by V&C near downtown Kuala Lumpur. I wrote a request to the hotel staff to give me a room with views of the city. And yay, I got what I wanted! I could see the city’s skyline right from my bed. My suite is clean and it has its own washing machine! The breakfast was good – offering both Malaysian and western food. But most of all, the main hotel amenity that everyone wants to check out is the Sky Pool! You won’t regret looking at the fantastic views here while in your wet swimwear. 😉 

Read my full review of Expressionz Hotel here.