National Textile Museum
National Textile Museum
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Masjid Jamek • 6 min walk
- Pasar Seni • 7 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- nyalpiHong Kong, China217 contributionsPlenty to see and learnMYR 5 entry - a lot to see for the small fee! Not a very big museum, but plenty to admire and learn. 4 galleries. Nicely set out. Building itself is pretty. Unfortunately air conditioning was not working in 1 of the galleries on day I visited, so was hot and stuffy (no windows). Gift shop and cafe not functional. "Resource room" was at end of several corridors and up some stairs, so did not visit. Overall, a very good place to spend maybe 1 hour or more to learn about one aspect of Malaysian culture, and be in air conditioning!Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 May 2024
- geeshariffPetaling Jaya, Malaysia894 contributionsAchieved greater appreciation for local textileI visited the museum at 10.42am, on 22 August 2024, weekday. Overall the museum has many fascinating exhibits so it was an interesting experience. Exhibits: Beautiful, colourful, diverse, well maintained from different states, races in Malaysia. Included adornments/ jewelry. Layout and Navigation: The museum’s layout was intuitive, with clear signage. Facilities: The restrooms were clean and easily accessible. Accessibility: The museum has elevators. Staff and Guides: There was 1 staff who sold us the ticket. The security guard was friendly. There were no guides. Practical Information: Ticket prices were reasonable, with discounts available for seniors. Pros: Extensive collection, well-organized exhibits, helpful staff, clean facilities. information tablets in English and Bahasa Malaysia. Cons: Lightings for a number of exhibits were not working so couldn’t fully appreciate the intricacies of the exhibits. The air-conditioning was also not working in some areas. Spelling mistakes on information tablets (English)- suggest the use of spell checker. Information video would be more useful if it had subtitles in at least 3 languages. Map of different states in Malaysia should be placed only when the exhibits is clearly defined from a particular state(s). Gift shop and cafe was closed. Tips for Future Visitors: To avoid crowds best to visit on weekday mornings. It is possible to tour museum within an hour and half. Conclusion: Overall, the Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in textile/art and/or history. I highly recommend it.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 September 2024
- AnuradhaNew Delhi, India1,417 contributionsNice display of Malaysian TextilesIt’s a small museum mainly focussing on textiles of Malaysia. Very well displayed over 4 galleries with good description. Worth spending 1-1:30 hour reading about the details of textiles. Ticket price is also nominal, location is excellent, which is very close to Jamek Mosque, Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building which are a must visit for any tourist.Visited October 2024Travelled soloWritten 10 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
616 reviews
Excellent
187
Very good
313
Average
104
Poor
9
Terrible
3
Omni F
Whitsett, NC223 contributions
Mar 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this museum. I happen to work with fabrics so this museum was quite informative on the batik process and the fabrics are absolutely beautiful.
The only disappointment was that their gift shop is no longer open since the pandemic. I would have liked to have purchased some items to help support the museum, but as the guide told me, I could pick up the same items at Central Market.
If you sew or love beautiful fabric, definitely take the time to stop into this museum.
The only disappointment was that their gift shop is no longer open since the pandemic. I would have liked to have purchased some items to help support the museum, but as the guide told me, I could pick up the same items at Central Market.
If you sew or love beautiful fabric, definitely take the time to stop into this museum.
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heli P
Helsinki, Finland7,708 contributions
Feb 2020
Batik fabrics are used by many Asian people but the Malay have made it their national attire, there used to be a "Wear batik day" when men and women dressed in fabulous handpainted designs. The motifs vary by the techniques used - printing with hand held blocks, tye-dying or painting a figure outlined in wax on fabric. As the common global clothing is nowadays t-shirt and jeans these costumes have faded to history. This rather old fashioned museum also showcases bead embroidery sewn on slippers by Straits Chinese Nyonya and the seremonial jewellery worn and made by Sarawak people on Borneo. The cafeteria and shop no longer exist.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
25Dnat
Nottingham, UK39 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Hidden gem in Kuala Lumpur. Surprisingly little information on this museum which spanned 2 air conditioned floors in a historic building. It offered a history of textile and fashion design for the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Native population. Well worth a visit if you enjoy fabrics. Only $1.30USD/ 0.90p GBP/$2 Australian dollar entry
Please consider strolling to the Sentral Market, for a local bazaar
Please consider strolling to the Sentral Market, for a local bazaar
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheLeongOhana
United States7,711 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Located across from Merdaka Square this was a small, four room museum housed on two floors.
We visited during the early afternoon and practically had the museum to ourselves.
One room devoted a lot of detail to the many different techniques to making batiks and other types of textiles. It helped us appreciate how much time and effort was out into making these type of materials.
Overall a bargain at 5MYR admission.
We visited during the early afternoon and practically had the museum to ourselves.
One room devoted a lot of detail to the many different techniques to making batiks and other types of textiles. It helped us appreciate how much time and effort was out into making these type of materials.
Overall a bargain at 5MYR admission.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marftrip
Kernersville, NC339 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
The previous reviews have throughly described the building, cost, time needed, etc. And I would definitely agree about adding some interactive activities to better involve visitors.
But I’ll also add that this museum is well worth a visit, holding a beautiful collection! The quality of not just the textiles, but the room of jewelry, is outstanding! There’s a gallery that describes many different dying, embroidery, knitting, weaving, etc., techniques with some jaw dropping examples.
Additionally, I was fortunate to catch the current special exhibit on the history of the Kebaya - what a treat! The exhibit highlights the many variations of this traditional outfit as interpreted among the various ethnic groups in Malaysia, but also included some stunning examples worn by royalty.
All in all, a very enjoyable two hours, I highly recommend!
But I’ll also add that this museum is well worth a visit, holding a beautiful collection! The quality of not just the textiles, but the room of jewelry, is outstanding! There’s a gallery that describes many different dying, embroidery, knitting, weaving, etc., techniques with some jaw dropping examples.
Additionally, I was fortunate to catch the current special exhibit on the history of the Kebaya - what a treat! The exhibit highlights the many variations of this traditional outfit as interpreted among the various ethnic groups in Malaysia, but also included some stunning examples worn by royalty.
All in all, a very enjoyable two hours, I highly recommend!
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthur S
1 contribution
Nov 2021
Muzium Tekstil should not opened to public if they are not able to welcome properly visitors. All the building is under maintenance. The air conditioning was not working in the galleries. With more than 40 degres celsius, the visit has turned into a nightmare. We spent 10 minutes and paid / wasted 10 ringgits.
Written 7 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay E
Washington DC, DC37 contributions
Nov 2022
Excellent displays of various techniques for weaving and embroidery used by peoples of Malysia. Great way to get a visual idea of the diversity of clothing designs and their inspiration. It only costs about 5RM to enter. Highly recommended.
Written 4 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Azreen A
Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Friends
The museum is well air conditioned so its very cool, very tidy and clean. There’s clean bathroom and prayer room. Very well maintained. There’s a lot to see and learn speaking from local myself. Fee is rm2 each cash only. Tips: stop at lrt pasar seni if using public transport. Cross the bridge to the pos besar malaysia and then from there take right. It’s on your right. The building is opposite of dataran merdeka and klcg. Need to walk a bit. Muchhhh nearer than masjid jamek lrt for real. There’s an ongoing exhibition. You can check their ig and facebook.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peahyphenelle
Brooklyn, NY24 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
I noticed the National Textiles Museums and the beautifully restored brick and stone Moorish style building that houses it, during the cab ride down from the Bird Park. It was not on any must see lists about sites in KL, but I loved the look of the building and the funkier neighborhood it was in. I also enjoy learning about textiles and this was the place to absorb as much as I could about batik, weaving and embroidery in Malaysia, so I took a cab from the hotel the next day. The actual exhibit was rather dark and static, I suppose this was to keep harsh lights from bleaching out the colors in the displays, but the interactive kiosks at both the beginning and the end of the small museum area were terrific. You could click on any number of videos which described in clear visuals how all sorts of batiks and other fabrics are made in a variety of methods. I am hearing impaired and it took me awhile to realize that the English narration I had selected to accompany the videos was actually in English, because the reader's voice was very low and highly accented. The narration didn't matter since the videos were so well produced and edited. There was a small but lovely exhibit of various traditional women's costumes in the museum courtyard so you could see how these elaborate fabrics were crafted into actual clothing. I visited a charming little gift shop and had a tasty lunch in the cafe in the museum. The shop had a beautiful selection of scarves and other fabrics, but they seemed very expensive to me for my first purchases in Malaysia. Then I noticed several kinds of stuffed animals fashioned from batiks: adorable bunnies, a bird of some sort and cute sea turtles, so I bought a few of those as presents to give to folks back home. They were well-made and reasonably priced. Credit cards were accepted. Hailing a taxi back to my hotel was a challenge. I had to cross a very busy four lane intersection with turning cars from a side street. You haven't faced death until you have tried to cross KL streets!! During rush hours, the pedestrian green lights don't work and you have to cross in stages and remember to look right first since they drive on the left side of the street. I made it to the narrow median after several false starts and much honking and then had to wait for the turning cars. NOTE: the many people driving motor bikes don't always obey the rules and go against traffic, so be extra careful. Also, cars and motor bikes often ignore the pedestrian green lights, which last only a few seconds, and they simply drive right through their red lights. It is so dangerous being a pedestrian in KL that the city is starting to build raised cross over bridges for pedestrians at some intersections, but they are needed at ALL intersections! Anyway, once I managed to cross the intersection and hail a taxi, it turned out the driver didn't have a meter, so I had to negotiate the price. Since I had taken a cab to the museum, I knew what the trip should cost on a metered taxi and good naturedly bargained with the cabbie, who expected me to haggle. I offered the same amount and gave him a 20% tip when he dropped me at my hotel.
Written 27 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thangam M
Chennai1,460 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
Judging by the few visitors, it does seem that the National Textile Museum (Muzium Tekstil Negara) is not a major tourist attraction - which is rather a pity since it offers significant insight into the rich diversity of Malaysia and its people through the story of its textiles, and how they have evolved in tune with the people's lifestyle over the ages.
The Museum on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin is diagonally across Merdeka Square, adjoining the Sultan Abdul Samad building. The easiest way to get here is on the LRT alighting at Masjid Jamek station, from where it is about a twenty minute walk. The museum is open daily from 9am to 6pm and admission is free.
The Museum is housed in a beautiful heritage building designed by the British architect Hubback (also the architect of many of the other colonial landmarks of KL) and dates from 1896. After construction was complete in 1905, it was first used as the headquarters for the Federated Malay States Railways. It was then taken over by the Selangor Public Works department which used it to house various government departments. Notified as a heritage building in 1983, and after serving multiple purposes, it finally was designated as the National Textile Museum and threw open its doors to visitors in early 2010.
Home to a striking collection of clothing, accessories and textiles handcrafted by the Malays, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, the National Textiles Museum showcases the diversity of Malaysian culture and the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into the making of the country’s textile products. The Museum's collection is displayed in four galleries - the Pohon Budi Gallery and the Pelangi Gallery on the ground floor - and the Teluk Berantai Gallery and Ratna Sari Gallery which are on the first floor.
The Pohon Budi Gallery traces the origin of various textiles from pre-historic times inter alia exhibiting the tools and techniques of textile-making. It explains the weaving, embroidery, batik-making, gold embroidering, knitting and beading work with special focus on Malaysia's renowned textiles such as songket, pua kumbu, telepuk and tekatan.
The Pelangi (rainbow) Gallery exhibits different types of batiks, Chinese fabric and fabrics of the Baba and Nyonya, which are richly done with silk, gold thread and beads, as well as the finely finished motifs of ethnic Sarawak and Sabah origin.
A grand sweeping staircase takes visitors to the two galleries on the first floor. The Teluk Berantai Gallery on the first floor showcases the richness and beauty of Malay handiwork such as tekatan (gold embroidery to create a raised relief effect on velvet), kelingkan (an embroidery-appliqué) and kain telepuk (fine fabric imprinted with floral motifs using gold leaves or gold dust).
The most striking gallery of all is the Ratna Sari Gallery on the first floor - it exhibits a beautifully lit, dazzling collection of diamonds, gold and other jewellery. The expertise of Malay, Chinese, Indian artisans that has produced priceless and timeless masterpieces of adornment are on display here. Made of gold, silver, copper, beads these accessories are crafted to adorn the body, from head to toe.
The Museum offers a Resource Centre for researchers. Once you're done with seeing the exhibits, don't miss visiting the tastefully done up cafetaria which serves some really good snacks. The museum shop that offers a tempting array for purchase is also well worth the visit for tourists. The entire Museum is comfortably air-conditioned which offers welcome relief from the usual heat and humidity of Kuala Lumpur - and you might also want to use the spotlessly clean restrooms here before you carry on with your exploration of this heritage precinct.
The Museum on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin is diagonally across Merdeka Square, adjoining the Sultan Abdul Samad building. The easiest way to get here is on the LRT alighting at Masjid Jamek station, from where it is about a twenty minute walk. The museum is open daily from 9am to 6pm and admission is free.
The Museum is housed in a beautiful heritage building designed by the British architect Hubback (also the architect of many of the other colonial landmarks of KL) and dates from 1896. After construction was complete in 1905, it was first used as the headquarters for the Federated Malay States Railways. It was then taken over by the Selangor Public Works department which used it to house various government departments. Notified as a heritage building in 1983, and after serving multiple purposes, it finally was designated as the National Textile Museum and threw open its doors to visitors in early 2010.
Home to a striking collection of clothing, accessories and textiles handcrafted by the Malays, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, the National Textiles Museum showcases the diversity of Malaysian culture and the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into the making of the country’s textile products. The Museum's collection is displayed in four galleries - the Pohon Budi Gallery and the Pelangi Gallery on the ground floor - and the Teluk Berantai Gallery and Ratna Sari Gallery which are on the first floor.
The Pohon Budi Gallery traces the origin of various textiles from pre-historic times inter alia exhibiting the tools and techniques of textile-making. It explains the weaving, embroidery, batik-making, gold embroidering, knitting and beading work with special focus on Malaysia's renowned textiles such as songket, pua kumbu, telepuk and tekatan.
The Pelangi (rainbow) Gallery exhibits different types of batiks, Chinese fabric and fabrics of the Baba and Nyonya, which are richly done with silk, gold thread and beads, as well as the finely finished motifs of ethnic Sarawak and Sabah origin.
A grand sweeping staircase takes visitors to the two galleries on the first floor. The Teluk Berantai Gallery on the first floor showcases the richness and beauty of Malay handiwork such as tekatan (gold embroidery to create a raised relief effect on velvet), kelingkan (an embroidery-appliqué) and kain telepuk (fine fabric imprinted with floral motifs using gold leaves or gold dust).
The most striking gallery of all is the Ratna Sari Gallery on the first floor - it exhibits a beautifully lit, dazzling collection of diamonds, gold and other jewellery. The expertise of Malay, Chinese, Indian artisans that has produced priceless and timeless masterpieces of adornment are on display here. Made of gold, silver, copper, beads these accessories are crafted to adorn the body, from head to toe.
The Museum offers a Resource Centre for researchers. Once you're done with seeing the exhibits, don't miss visiting the tastefully done up cafetaria which serves some really good snacks. The museum shop that offers a tempting array for purchase is also well worth the visit for tourists. The entire Museum is comfortably air-conditioned which offers welcome relief from the usual heat and humidity of Kuala Lumpur - and you might also want to use the spotlessly clean restrooms here before you carry on with your exploration of this heritage precinct.
Written 7 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mennyi a belépő? How much is the ticket?
Written 10 October 2016
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