|
| |
Islamic Arts Museum - Places to
Visit in Kuala Lumpur
Destinations and Sights - Lake Gardens Area
Opened in December 1998 Malaysia became home to Southeast Asia’s largest museum
of Islamic art. The building occupies 30,000 square metres, situated amid the
leafy surroundings of central Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens, houses more than
seven thousand artefacts, as well as an exceptional library of Islamic-art
books.
 Architecture
A four-storey building located on a plateau of sloping terrain. There are two
separate entrances, and freestanding columns are situated on all four corners to
support the five domes. The main entrance is identified by the 'blue iwan',
which is finished with cut blue tiles. Other types of Islamic architectural
design can be seen covering the domes' surfaces, including tile work in Mo'arraq
style and Kufi and Tuluth calligraphy. The Museum's facade is clad primarily
with white marble and curved panels. The main lobby overlooks the courtyard,
several fountains, a restaurant, and a café.
 Displays
The art objects on display range from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of
the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The aim is to
create a collection that is truly representative of the Islamic world. Instead
of concentrating on works from the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East, it
also puts the emphasis on Asia. China and Southeast Asia are especially well
represented. The third component of the Malaysian melting pot is India, which is
also given special status. India, China and the Malay world are in an
exceptional category. Other parts of the collection are displayed according to
type rather than geographical origins in the museum’s 12 galleries.
The permanent galleries are categorised by artefact material or field of study.
Located on level 3 of the IAMM are some exceptions, the India Gallery, China
Gallery and Malay World Gallery. These three galleries serve as representations
of the diversity of Islamic peoples and the multi-cultural heritage of Malaysia.
Also located on level 3 are the Architecture Gallery, the Qurans & Manuscripts
Gallery and the Ottoman Room - a reconstructed interior of an Ottoman Syrian
room dated 1820 - 1821 AD. The room comprises of authentic floor tiles;
intricately carved, lacquered wooden panels and chandeliers.
On level 4, the Ceramics & Glass Gallery, Metalwork Gallery, Woodwork Gallery,
Arms & Armour Gallery, Jewellery Gallery, and Textiles Gallery; exhibits
collections displayed thematically, according to chronology, region or technique
of production.
The museum also holds local and international Islamic oriented exhibitions at
intervals.
Galleries
Art of the Mosque and Art of Architecture
An assemblage of replicas and models of some of the greatest monuments and
structures of the Islamic era. These include models of the Taj Mahal and Imam
Ismail Albukhary Mosque and Mausoleum to name a few. A notable section of this
gallery is the detailed structure of a 'mihrab' (the prayer niche, indicating
the Qibla, the direction of Mecca) carved in a relief of Quranic verses, and "minbar"
(the pulpit used by Imams to preach Friday sermons). Both were crafted by a team
of master artesans specially flown in from Iran. Other items on display include
the Mamluk lamp, rehal and prayer mat.
Qurans Manuscripts Gallery
A large collection of Qurans, religious and secular texts from a range of
provenances; namely Persia, China, India, Turkey and the Malay World are
highlighted. This gallery serves to illustrate the different styles of
calligraphic scripts and to provide visual examples of elaborate illumination of
the Quran. The secular texts include examples of Persian marriage certificates,
miniature paintings, texts on medicine and astrology as well as illuminated
letters and poetry.
Islamic Arts of The Chinese World
Dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the Chinese Muslims, this
gallery exhibits a varied range of Chinese Islamic artefacts. Featuring a
collection of Chinese callligraphic scrolls and a richly illuminated Ching
dynasty Quran in a complete set of 30 judz (chapters), this gallery draws
parallels, differences and influences of style in Chinese Islamic arts to the
rest of the Muslim world.
Islamic Arts of The Malay World
Devoted to the preservation and appreciation of the works of Islamic art within
the Malay Archipelago. Some of the finest works of Malaysian arts ranging from
utilitarian household to popular pastime items, costumes, jewellery and arms are
showcased in this gallery.
Ceramics and Glassware Gallery
Displaying over 130 ceramic and glass artefacts, this gallery serves to provide
an insight as to the different styles and techniques of decoration at its height
of popularity. Arms & Armour Gallery
The Arms and Armour Gallery is devoted to the weapons and protective garments of
medieval Islamic societies. From the Nimcha and Shamseh, curved scimitars of
Arabia and Persia, to the elaborately bejewelled and gold inlaid daggers of
Mughal India, the Gallery also features arm guards, shields and even a
talismanic tunic inscribed with Quranic verses to be worn under armour for
protection.
Textiles Gallery
The Textile Gallery features shawls, hangings, costumes and other forms of
fabric from around the Muslim world, highlighting the different materials and
techniques of decorative embellishment. Examples include fine woolen Kashmir and
Kirman shawls of India and Persia respectively, colourful embroidered souzanis
of Bukhara, Uzbekistan and ikat coats and embroidered dhirpees of Central Asia.
Metalwork Gallery
This gallery provides an overview of the wide range of metalwork embellishment
techniques used in the Islamic world. The Islamic Arts Museum's metalwork
gallery highlights the innovation of Islamic ornamentation and the richness of
materials used in metalwork.
NOTE
Open from Tuesdays - Sundays & Public Holidays (10.00 am - 06.00 pm
Closed on Mondays
Best way to Visit -
Take a City Tour
DESTINATIONS & SIGHTS -
LAKE GARDENS AREA
War Memorial /
Parliament
House /
National Museum /
Islamic Arts Museum /
The Old Railway Station /
National
Mosque /
Butterfly Park /
Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens /
Bird Park
|
