International Museum Day (IMD) is back again!
It is celebrated globally on 18 May annually, and on this day all museums waive their entrance fees to the public. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) comes up with a theme every year, and this year the theme is “Museums as Cultural Hubs: The Future of Tradition”.
Museums around the world are invited to participate, and to promote the role of museums everywhere, creating fun and unique activities that the public can also participate in. The Department of Museums Malaysia also participates in this celebration, and every year, activities are carried out at selected museums to encourage public interaction and interest.
This year, as the 18th of May falls in the month of Ramadan, the main launching and celebration of International Museum Day in Malaysia will take place from 14 – 21 July 2019 at the Sabah Museum, organized by the Department of Museums Malaysia.
Speaking of museums, one would have probably visited, at the very least, the National Museum located along Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Did you know that within the same area, there are two other museums which you can visit, located within walking distance?
- The Malay World Ethnology Museum
This unique museum focuses on the artistic traditions of the Malay community in Malaysia, featuring a captivating collection of traditional crafts, clothing, jewellery, weaponry and games.
- The Orang Asli Craft Museum
This ethnographic museum features the heritage and the culture of the Orang Asli of Malaysia. Besides learning about their way of life and beliefs, visitors can also view their carvings and weavings, which are imbued with deep intrinsic meaning.
Another museum which is easily missed when walking the touristic streets of Melaka, is the Architecture Museum.
- The Malaysia Architecture Museum, Melaka
This museum is the first architectural-themed museum in the country. It features Malaysia’s unique architectural heritage, from traditional Malay houses to fortifications, as well as palace, colonial, sacred and indigenous architectures.
For more information, please visit the Department of Museums Malaysia website: www.jmm.gov.my