Get ready to go on a fascinating journey through the cultural wonders of Kuching as we explore 12 incredible museums in the city. In this article, you'll discover large, unique museums that showcase the rich heritage and history of this vibrant Malaysian destination. From captivating exhibits to immersive experiences, each museum offers a unique perspective on Kuching's past and present. Plus, we'll provide insights into the ticket prices of museums in Kuching, ensuring you have all the information you need to plan your museum-hopping adventure and uncover the best 12 museums to visit in Kuching!

Established in 1891 and renovated in 1911 to its present design, the Sarawak Museum boasts a history spanning over a century. Its architectural design resembles Normandy row houses, and the museum houses an extensive collection of artworks and handicrafts that showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak. Notable exhibits include important archaeological materials depicting the lives of diverse ethnic groups in Borneo, along with indigenous peoples' crafts. These valuable displays were generously donated by the renowned naturalist Mr. Alfred Russell Wallace, who co-discovered the theory of evolution with Darwin.

The first floor showcases a variety of animals, while the second floor highlights artworks from different ethnic groups, featuring musical instruments, handicrafts, and ship models. Additionally, an extension building hosts an impressive collection of Chinese porcelain, enriching the museum's cultural offerings.

Opening hours: 10 am-4 pm (Saturday-Sunday), 9 am-4.45 pm (Monday to Friday)

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free entrance

Situated in Kuching, Sarawak's capital known as Cat City, there is a cat-themed museum in Malaysia. Nestled on Bukit Siol Hill, 60 meters above sea level, it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Kuching City. This unique and famous museum houses an extensive collection of 2,000 cat-related exhibits, including photos, stories, ornaments, and sculptures featuring cats from around the world.

The diverse range encompasses not only modern cartoon characters like Garfield, Doraemon, and Hello Kitty but also traditional Chinese handicraft cloth tigers. Additionally, the museum showcases an exhibition room dedicated to celebrity cat owners, including prominent figures like Hugo, Landingale, President Lincoln, and Edison, who shared a love for feline companions.

Opening hours: 9 am-4.30 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Taman Budaya, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Admission free, RM3 for taking pictures, RM5 for taking video

The Borneo House Museum, an interactive 3D educational museum in Sarawak, spans over 12,500 sq ft, immersing visitors in the vibrant essence of Sarawak's nature, culture, heritage, and cuisine. Divided into four zones—Sarawak’s Nature, Old Sarawak, Sarawak Today, and Sarawak Iconic Food—the museum provides a captivating journey through the heart of Sarawak and Borneo.

Carefully curated by talented Sarawakian artists, each art piece on display carries a unique storyline, offering an informative and educational tour. This museum invites everyone to step into the roles of actors, directors, and photographers, promising an engaging and enjoyable experience.

Opening hours: 9 am-5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday, Closed on Monday)

Address: No.1, Jalan Batu 6-7, Jalan Penrissen, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free (Child below 3), RM15 (Child 3-12, Student, Senior above 60, Malaysian Mykad), RM19 (Adult Malaysian Mykad), RM25 (Child 3-12, student Senior above 60, International), RM29 (Adult International).

The Ranee Museum is curated by the Brooke Trust and focuses on the life, legend, and lasting impact of Margaret de Windt, the wife of the second Rajah Brooke.

This exhibition, a permanent fixture in Kuching, offers insights into Ranee Margaret’s life through various mediums such as paintings, music, literature, and craft. Serving as Ranee for nearly half a century, her significant contributions include a deep appreciation for skills like songket weaving and keringkam embroidery. As support of these crafts, her personal collection is now showcased in this exhibit.

Opening hours: 9 am-4.45 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Address: N Block D, Old Courthouse, 7, Jalan Barrack, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Adult - RM10 Child (7-12 yrs) - RM5 (Malaysian), Adult - RM20 Child (7-12 yrs) - RM10 (Non-Malaysian)

The Borneo Cultures Museum stands as a modern, five-story edifice featuring a unique architectural design that mirrors Sarawak's traditional crafts and rich cultural heritage. Positioned to serve as a vibrant hub for social and cultural exchange, this new museum has been in the making for four years and is poised to become one of Kuching’s latest landmarks—a cultural institution to be celebrated in Sarawak.

Initiated by Dato Sri Ar John Lau Kah Sieng, Sarawak's esteemed architect with a notable portfolio spanning Africa, Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, the museum, built at a cost of RM308 million, boasts a combined floor area of approximately 31,000sqm, making it the second largest museum in Southeast Asia. Its striking golden structure captures attention, embodying a world-class museum with aspirations to be a globally engaged center for history and heritage.

Opening hours: 9.30 am-4.30 pm (Saturday-Sunday), 9 am-4.45 pm (Monday to Friday)

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free-RM10 (Malaysian Sarawakian), Free-RM20 (Malaysian Non-Sarawakian), Free-RM50 (Foreigner)

The Kuching Chinese History Museum (Malay: Muzium Sejarah Cina Kuching) is situated in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, and focuses on the history of the Chinese community in Sarawak. It was officially opened to the public on October 23, 1993, by Assistant Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Yap Chin Loi. In 2010, the museum underwent renovations to enhance its exhibitions.

The museum showcases various artifacts related to the Chinese community's history in Sarawak during the White Rajahs era, including musical instruments, jade, ceramics, photographs, and more.

Opening hours: 10 am-4 pm (Saturday-Sunday), 9 am-4.45 pm (Monday to Friday)

Address: Chinese History Museum, Jalan Bazar, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free

Sitting along the Kuching River, Margaret Castle, also recognized as the museum, is a modest British-style structure constructed in 1879. Serving as a notable symbol along the Sarawak River, the castle holds the historical narrative of the Brooke Dynasty in Sarawak. It's named after Charles Brooke's wife, Rani Margaery, and the castle stands to the present day.

Opening hours: 9 am-4.45 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Address: Fort Margherita, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free (Children under 7), RM5 (Concession), RM10 (Local Malaysian), RM20 (Non-Malaysian)

Established in Kuching in 2000 through the efforts of Datin Amar Margaret Linggi, the Tun Jugah Museum, and Gallery have clear objectives: to preserve and promote traditional Iban textile weaving, enhance understanding of Iban textiles and weaving traditions, and showcase the rich material culture of the Iban people.

The museum features five main galleries, including the Datin Amar Margaret Linggi Memorial Gallery, named in her honor in 2007, recognizing her significant contributions to the community, along with the Display Gallery, Weaving Gallery, Tun Jugah Memorial, and the Museum itself.

Opening hours: 9 am-4 pm (Monday to Friday), closed on Saturday to Sunday

Address: 18, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free

Nestled at the base of Mount Santubong and spanning 17 acres, the Sarawak Cultural Village serves as a compact yet vibrant living museum, offering visitors a firsthand experience of Sarawak's multicultural diversity. Amidst serene surroundings and picturesque landscapes, traditional longhouses and residences representing seven major ethnic groups—Ulu, Punam, Malano, Iban, Bidayu, Malay, and Chinese—stand, constructed from materials like saltwood, bamboo, rattan, and yada leaves, providing an authentic glimpse into primitive village life.

In this dynamic "living museum," ethnic artists don traditional costumes, engage in handicrafts, and share their way of life with tourists. The village frequently hosts demonstrations of handicraft making, along with dance and music performances showcasing the cultural richness of each ethnic group.

A visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village unfolds as a cultural odyssey, allowing a profound connection with Sarawak's heritage. Following the exploration, the theater awaits, where vibrant dance performances by various ethnic groups take center stage. These colorful and popular programs not only vividly depict Sarawak's civilization but also convey the message of harmonious coexistence among diverse ethnicities to tourists.

Opening hours: 9 am-5 pm

Address: Sarawak Cultural Village Sdn. Bhd. 201801047041 (1309073-M) Pantai Damai, Santubong, P.O.Box 2632, 93752 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Price range: RM85 (Adult), RM55(Children 2-12 years old)

Originally established in 1930 as Madrasah Melayu Sarawak, the Sarawak Islamic Heritage Museum is situated on P. Ramlee Road. Initially, the historic building served as a dedicated space for training teachers in advanced Malay education.

Comprising seven galleries, the museum encompasses diverse themes such as Islamic history in Sarawak, Islamic architecture, science and technology, economy, education and literature, costumes, music and personal belongings, weaponry, decorative arts and domestic tools, and a Quran collection.

Opening hours: 10 am-4 pm (Saturday-Sunday), 9 am-4.45 pm (Monday to Friday)

Address: Jalan P. Ramlee, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free

The Upside Down House Kuching offers a unique and interactive gallery, providing visitors, whether local or international tourists, with a delightful experience of being in an upside-down house. Suitable for all ages, it's an enjoyable destination for families and an appealing tourist attraction for both local and foreign visitors.

Situated close to Tune Hotel in the main town area, along the renowned Kuching Waterfront, this distinctive building allows you to explore the fully furnished rooms of a modern house from a new perspective – upside down! Additionally, within the main town area, there's a well-stocked gift shop featuring our merchandise, local artisan works, and souvenirs. A visit to the upside-down house ensures a memorable experience, making it a must-see in your Sarawak itinerary.

Opening hours: 9.30 am-6 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Address: Ground Floor, No.281-1-1, Lot 281, Section 48, KTLD, Block H, Taman Sri Sarawak Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman, Off, Jalan Borneo, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: RM8-RM12 (Local), RM15-20 (Foreigner)

For those intrigued by the artistry, skill, and cultural significance embedded in the creation of Pua Kumbu, the Tun Jugah Pua Kumbu Museum on the 4th Floor of Tun Jugah Tower is a must-visit. Managed by the private Tun Jugah Foundation, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Iban pua kumbu textiles, spanning both antique and contemporary pieces, along with exquisite Iban silverware and jewelry.

Guests can observe skilled weavers in action and, for those with the time commitment, even engage in learning the craft. While visitors are warmly welcomed, it's advisable for larger groups to schedule an appointment in advance.

Opening hours: 9 am-4 pm (Monday to Friday). closed on Saturday to Sunday, 9.30 am-6 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Address: 18, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Price range: Free

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