The National Museum (Muzium Negara) is Malaysia's primary history museum, housed in a large building modelled on a traditional Minangkabau palace on the eastern edge of the Lake Gardens. The collection covers Malaysian history from prehistoric times through the Malay sultanates, the colonial period, Japanese occupation, and independence in 1957. Four permanent galleries are supplemented by regular temporary exhibitions. The building itself — with its dramatic curved roof and facade mosaic panels — is an architectural statement of national identity.
The museum is less visited than it deserves: the galleries on Orang Asli culture and the pre-colonial period are particularly good, and the independence gallery has extensive photographs and artefacts from the 1950s. Entry is RM5 for adults. Connected to the Lake Gardens by footpath and a short walk from Muzium Negara MRT station.