Step Into The Royal Museum (Old Istana Negara)

In 2011 when the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (Terengganu Sultan) was succeeded by Kelantan's Sultan Muhammad V as 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Old Istana Negara also ceased operation, was replaced by the new one. The royal palace was handed over to Department of Museums Malaysia and then as how the department received it, unaltered, preserved like royal time capsule, they turns it into currently known as The Royal Museum.



Old Istana Negara or The Royal Museum was originally built by Chinese millionaire named Chang Wing, then occupied by the Japanese Governor during Japanese occupation, later was used as senior military officer's mess house by the British Military Administration becoming the former official residence of the King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong).

The Royal Museum is critical in distributing knowledge about Malaysia's constitutional monarchy system and His Royal Highness as the guardian of Malaysia's unique parliamentary democracy. The Royal Museum also provides insight into the private life of former Kings and Queens who always shy away from any limelight.

With RM5 fees (RM10 for non-Malaysian), visitors can walk into the Old Istana Negara, as a guest, viewing sultan's private collections kept in good care in the Throne Room (Balairung Seri), see the lavish private room of the rich past, His Majesty's office, the cozy reading room touched by Tuanku Aishah, the crockery and cutlery in one of the many dining rooms, elegant royal audience hall and more.

Photo credits: The Star/Norafifi Ehsan.

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