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Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Opened in 1998 beside the Perdana Botanical Garden, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia displays more than 7,000 objects from across the Islamic world under turquoise-tiled domes.
At a glance
- Type
- Islamic art museum
- Area
- Perdana Botanical Garden area, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Opening
- Open daily · 09:30–18:00
- Official site
- iamm.org.my
Good to know
- MOZA Restaurant
- Museum Shop
- Scholar's Library
- Special exhibition galleries
Why we recommend it
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is one of the most rewarding museums in Kuala Lumpur. It opened on 12 December 1998 in a purpose-built building on Jalan Lembah Perdana, on the edge of the Perdana Botanical Garden, and its collection now runs to more than 7,000 objects from across the Islamic world, from Spain and North Africa to China and the Malay world.
The building itself is part of the appeal. Turquoise tiled domes sit on the roof, and the entrance is framed by an iwan-style portal decorated by tile workers from Iran. The building covers some 30,000 square metres, so there is plenty of space between displays. The permanent galleries are spread over two levels. On the first are the Architecture gallery, the Qur'an and manuscripts gallery, and galleries for India, China and the Malay world. The second level covers arms and armour, textiles, jewellery and coins, metalwork, woodwork and ceramics, so you can follow a single craft across many regions and centuries.
Special Galleries 1 and 2 host temporary exhibitions. Tatreez, an exhibition on embroidery, runs from 19 June 2026 to 25 April 2027, and the programme changes regularly, so check the museum website before you go. There is also a Scholar's Library for researchers, a Museum Shop, and the MOZA Restaurant, which is a pleasant place for lunch between galleries.
The galleries and shop are open daily from 9.30am to 6pm, with last entry at 5.30pm, and the restaurant serves from 9.30am to 5pm. Allow at least two hours; enthusiasts can easily spend half a day. The museum is calm, air-conditioned and rarely crowded, which makes it a good choice for the hottest part of the day or a rainy afternoon. It suits anyone interested in art, design, calligraphy or architecture, and older children often enjoy the arms and armour gallery.
The museum is a short walk from the National Mosque, and the Perdana Botanical Garden and the KL Bird Park are close by, so it combines easily with a day exploring the green Lake Gardens area. Kuala Lumpur railway station is within walking distance, and ride-hailing cars can drop you at the entrance.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The galleries and shop are open daily from 09:30 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30.
How long should I allow?
At least two hours to see the permanent galleries, and longer if you want to see a special exhibition or have lunch.
How big is the collection?
The museum holds more than 7,000 objects from across the Islamic world.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes. The MOZA Restaurant inside the museum serves from 09:30 to 17:00.
What temporary exhibitions are on?
Tatreez runs in Special Galleries 1 and 2 from 19 June 2026 to 25 April 2027; check the website for the current programme.
What is nearby?
The National Mosque is a short walk away, and the Perdana Botanical Garden and KL Bird Park are close by.
Is it good for a rainy or very hot day?
Yes. The galleries are indoors and air-conditioned, so it is an easy choice in bad weather or the midday heat.
How can I contact the museum?
Call +60 3 2092 7070 or email [email protected].