Growing up, I am often asked if I am of mix-Chinese blood. I don’t have the exotic slanting eyes or slim features that are ordinarily Chinese, but I am fair-skinned.
So yes, apparently, I do have a little bit of Chinese in my DNA. I have been told that my great-great forefathers on my father’s side are among the heroes from Guangdong, that braved the harsh seas for a better life, out of China.
Unfortunately, the story of my Chinese origins ends there. As much as I’d love to know more, I’ll just have to be content with ‘reading’ about my ancestry and experiencing life as a Malaysian, in a multi-cultural nation.
So, when I chance upon the Islamic Arts Museum which houses an interesting collection of Islamic artefacts from China, it triggers both the Muslim and ‘Chinese’ in me.
Despite Malaysia being an Islamic country, not many of its citizens, yours truly included, know much about the existence of a world-renowned Islamic Arts Museum, located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur itself.
Interestingly, this venue makes the list of top ten places to visit in Kuala Lumpur, as well as being listed as the top museum to visit in Southeast Asia. Travellers all over the world who have visited this arts centre have only good things to say about the museum.
So, as I plan on my next weekend rendezvous, I took the liberty to read up on the Islamic Arts Museum Kuala Lumpur, to see if it’s really worthwhile to include in my bucket list of ‘must-go’ places.
Let’s get to know a little bit more about this museum, shall we?
The History of the Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur
The original idea was mooted by one Syed Mohamad AlBukhary, a keen arts collector, who presented the concept of having an Islamic arts centre to the then Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir.
Incidentally, Malaysia was to host the World Islamic Civilisation Congress Kuala Lumpur in 1998. The idea was accepted by the Prime Minister, who has always wanted something similar. Syed Mohamad then casually mentioned the plan to his brother Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar over dinner.
The rest they say, is history.
This world-class museum is fully funded from the ground up, and is managed by the AlBukhary Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar, one of Malaysia’s billionaire.
An architectural splendour…
Reading about the museum’s architectural design is like being in a dream. I am transported to a large space with high ceilings and white walls, my overflowing gown floating about; the wind caressing my face.
The founder, Syed Mohamad travelled extensively to the Middle East to gather ideas for the museum. He was overwhelmed with the beautiful city of Isfahan in Iran, and Uzbekistan gave many glimpses of art on the many domes that adorn the country, with carved motifs on the inside.
Architecture makes up an important part of and provides the earliest expressions of Islamic arts. It is the window to the Islamic civilisation of the past, that continues itself in the manifestations of modern mosques all over world the world today. This provides the basis of the museum’s overall look.
The result is a stunning 30,000-square-metre multi-purpose built institution, that combines both the inside and outdoor spaces to great effect, drawing in the lights and air naturally.
Straight to your art
The Islamic Arts Museum houses more than 7,000 artefacts from the Middle East, Asia and Malaysia, placed on a two-floor gallery.
Taking into consideration the three main Malaysian ethnic race, the museum has devoted three special sections each, devoted on Islam in China, India and the Malay world. A real cultural interaction that makes this museum relevant to all Malaysians, Muslim and non-Muslims alike.
A 17th-century Al-Qurán, possibly from Xian is one of the collections, the very first one that Syed Mokhtar purchased, from New York, alongside a few Chinese scrolls with Arabic calligraphy dating back to the 19th century. It also carries Al Quran from Islamic India and the Malay world dating back the 18th century.
Another display space is devoted to architectural models of famous monuments across the world of Islam and includes a replica of the mosque in Mecca.
Of course, it’s not just about the Al-Quran and such. The museum also has artefacts such as coins, textiles, jewellery, arms & armour, and ceramics and glassworks representing the Islamic world.
More interestingly to me, the AlQurán and Manuscripts gallery has in its collection, texts on medicine, on geography, on plants, which proves that Islam has always been a progressive religion, unlike the very wrong perception it carries today.
More than pieces of art
As if the exhibits are not interesting enough, the museum also offers a Scholar’s Library for serious Islamic arts enthusiasts and academics.
It’s Open Shelf Collection boasts almost 11,000 titles ranging from museum education, titles on preservation and conservation of manuscripts and artefacts, and of course collection on Islamic arts and architecture. There’s also a Special Collection section which contains rare books, out-of-print materials and collectors’ editions; almost 3,000 titles on various related topics.
I plan to end my tour of the museum with a visit to its’ restaurant. I hear it offers an exotic range of Middle Eastern delicacies, amidst its predominantly white sculpture, floor-to-ceiling glass wall, overlooking a fountain garden. Such serenity!
Oh, by the way, the museum is just next to Masjid Negara, the National Mosque, another landmark. Coincidentally a major renovation for this Islamic site is also funded by the same foundation.
I look forward to visiting this world-class museum soon. Care to join me?