Johor Bahru Museums and Art Galleries

(Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia)

Johor Bahru museums and galleries mainly focus on history and art of Johor State. There are just a handful of museums and the odd gallery, with the top cultural attraction being located in the stunning Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace.

Malaysian paintings are best viewed at the nearby Johor Bahru Art Gallery, and at the Kota Tinggi Museum (in nearby Kota Tinggi). For a taste of local Chinese culture in the city, the city's Chinese Heritage Museum is the best bet.

Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum

Address: Jalan Tun Doktor Ismail, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 07 223 0555
Johor's top museum resides in the grounds of the Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace. The grand staircase to the Muzium Diraja Abu Bakar is a spectacle in itself, yet the wealth of treasures - artwork and furniture of the royal family, is the main attraction. Amongst the endless selection of quality exhibits are some intricate wooden carvings from China, India and Japan, as well, of course, as Malaysia. True to form, visitors will find that no photography is allowed inside. Outside, the huge palace gardens are beautifully landscaped and completely free to enter.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for children

Chinese Heritage Museum

Address: 42 Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 07 224 9633
The Chinese Heritage Museum reveals all about the rich heritage and history of the Chinese in this city. This restored four-floor building is loaded with artefacts, including traditional Chinese clothing and captioned photographs and videos. There is also a model of the entrance door of the Roufo Chinese Taoist Temple on the Jalan Trus, together with the sedan chair.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, students and seniors

Pasir Gudang Kite Museum

Address: Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 07 251 3720
Located in the town of the same name, to the east of Johor Bahru, is the interesting Pasir Gudang Kite Museum. Kites of all shapes and sizes are displayed at the museum, which is about 30 minutes from Johor. More importantly, this popular attraction plays host to the annual International Kite Festival each February, with kite enthusiasts coming here from far and wide.
Open hours: Monday and Thursday - 09:30 to 17:00, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday - 08:00 to 17:00, Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kota Tinggi Museum

Address: Kota Tinggi, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 07 222 3590
Situated in the nearby town of Kota Tinggi is the Kota Tinggi Museum, which lies approximately one hour away and to the north-east. It covers the state better than the cultural attractions in the city itself, and is a modern and rather intriguing set-up. The story is told through representations of art, music, dance, and architecture.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Johor Bahru Art Gallery (Galeri Seni Johor)

Address: 144 Jalan Petri, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 07 226 3266
This gallery comes with a decent display of modern Malaysian paintings and other artefacts. Visitors will find the gallery situated just a short distance to the west of downtown, where it occupies a two-storey structure from the early 20th century, set amid attractive landscaped grounds. Apart from the main art works are ceramics, Islamic calligraphy, traditional clothing and historic weapons.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free