Museum Mondays: Kuala Lumpur

On my first trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I spent 30 minutes in this museum before rushing off to the catch a flight. Those 30 minutes were so interesting, that for years I was hoping to return and spend some more time here. 

Thanks to Air Asia having a hub in KL, I finally made it back to Malaysia to spend the afternoon at this exquisite Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysa. 

If you are wondering what to do on your trip to Kuala Lumpur, the IAMM is a great option. For non-Muslims like myself who want to learn about Islam or for Muslims who want to see the art in their religion, the museum delivers.

Welcome to #museummondays. On Mondays we talk about museums. 

Museum Architecture

Located in the KL Bird Park with a lot of other museums and attractions, you can find a lot to do nearby if you are on vacation.

The museum itself is in a gorgeous building that features tons of Islamic architecture in its own right. A beautiful courtyard, a cafe with etched glass walls, a sparkling white and gold dome...there is plenty of beauty to admire in the building itself.

courtyard of the IAMM

the central dome of the museum

Mosques of the World

Maybe the most educational exhibit, a giant hall features scale models of some of the most famous mosques from around the world. There are floor plans explaining how to distinguish between mosque architecture by region. 

can you guess which mosque this is?

La Alhambra of Granada, Spain

Tranquerah Mosque of Melaka, Malaysia

Illuminated Manuscripts

If it's Qurans that you want, IAMM has them. Book after book of beautifully decorated pages, all styles of Arabic script in multiple languages, and bound Islamic scriptures of all sizes and shapes. Religious or not, anyone can appreciate the hours of devotion required to produce art at this level of detail.

quran with decorative pages

golden writing

circle quran

Other Art

Besides architecture and Qurans, the museum also features Islamic paintings, historical maps, and the traditional costumes of various people who make up the Muslim world.

Islamic paintings

old maps

Of note: The English language descriptions are excellent throughout the museum.

This museum is not only educational, but each and every corner of it displays beauty and thoughtfulness. Even the green marble restrooms are pretty.

One of my favorite museums in the world.

Do you want to join me for Museum Mondays? Tell me about your favorite museum in the comments! 

Stacy + I enjoying a longer visit to IAMM