The Royal Museum, or Muzium Diraja, located at the site of the former National Palace, was the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty, the Raja Permaisuri Agong, for 54 years from 1957 to 2011.

Initially a mansion built in 1928 by Singaporean architecture firm Swan and MacLaren for local Chinese millionaire Chan Wing, the building exchanged hands a few times, being occupied by the Japanese and British administration during and after World War II, before being purchased by the government and converted into a palace.







After the National Palace moved in 2011, the old palace was re-opened as a museum and gallery and has been welcoming visitors since 2013.





Galleries

The grand and opulent building, which is an example of Palladian architecture, is today divided into two blocks.

The first block is called the National Palace Gallery, where the official and personal spaces of His Majesty and Her Majesty, each of which has a specific name, function, design and protocol, is displayed.

The second block is called the Balairong Seri, which was built in the 1980s and was used for official ceremonies, such as the Installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ceremony, Oath of Installation and Acclamation Ceremony, Investiture Ceremony for Federal Awards and Honours and the Royal Dining Banquet.







Display highlights include the throne hall gallery featuring a royal throne made from Cengal wood without the use of nails, and the royal dining area where monogrammed cutlery, each bearing the seal of the Royal Coat of Arms, were used.





The entrance arch, which is manned by ceremonial cavalry guards in full uniform, leads to the swimming pool as well as beautiful parks and gardens that surround the property.



Tour

Photography is prohibited within the museum grounds and visitors can opt to roam the premises on their own, or with a guide. The museum guides are previous palace staff and possess extensive knowledge of the royal residence and the institution that is the Malaysian monarchy.

Inside this 2-storey building, you’ll get to see the 22 interior palace spaces comprising the Balairung Seri (a room where the King meets his subjects), the sleeping chamber, the royal office, the dining hall and resting lounge of the nation’s King.





The Royal Palace used to be closely guarded by cavalry guards and was not open to public. However, now that it’s a Royal Museum, you are allowed into the palace where you’ll be accompanied and given a full guided tour by a former palace guard.





You’ll also be taken to the sleeping chamber of the King and Queen – a place where no one could ever enter, not even for people who have worked here for many years.

You can also rent a traditional Malay costume to dress up as one of the services they provide.