In Malay it is known as Muzium Diraja Kuala Kangsar. The palace used to be the residence for Perak's Royal rulers. It was built in 1926 for Sultan Iskandar Shah by the Malay carpenter Enci Sepian from Bukit Mertajam, with the assistance of his sons Zainal Abidin and Ismail. The palace was previously known as the Valley Palace due to its location. The palace had been the official residence between 1931 and 1933. However, upon completion of Istana Iskandariah, the Istana Kenangan was used to host royal receptions and where the palace guests stayed.





The museum building was made entirely from wood by a Malay builder on the royal command of His Royal Highness Sultan Iskandar Shah (1918-1938) who needed a temporary palace while the large and permanent Istana Iskandariah was under construction.





HRH Sultan Iskandar occupied this palace, known as Istana Kenangan, from 1931 to 1933. After the Sultan moved into the new Istana Iskandariah, this temporary palace continued to be used for special royal occasions.

Its architecture is traditional Malay and is most unique as it is the only one of its kind in the country. Fine wooden carvings and woven wall-mats enhance the beauty and uniqueness of this beautiful wooden building. It rests on 60 wooden pillars and is 42 metres long and 11metres wide. The shape is representative of a sword in its scabbard when viewed from above.

In 1982, His Royal Highness, the late Sultan Idris Shah (1963-1984) gave his assent to transfer this palace to the care of the Museums Department.

The Design

It is two storeys high with the top floor consisting of the bedchamber, family bedrooms and a dining hall. The ground floor was once used as the official royal office where its original floor was made out of solid wood. The wooden floor however had been replaced by marble.







The exhibition within the hall includes:

• History of the Royal Monarchy of Perak Darul Ridzuan
• The Royal Families and Hierarchies.
• The ruling system in the old days.
• Tools and Artifacts from the past.
• Mannerism of the Royal Family.
• History of Kuala Kangsar
• Influence of Islam