Displays and exhibits in the museum focus on local history, culture and traditions, arts and crafts, economic activities, local flora and fauna, weapons and currency. The museum houses various galleries, each with its own theme. The ground floor showcases the geographic and natural history of the Malay peninsula starting with
the Stone Age,
the Bronze Age and the
Iron Age, Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms to Muslim sultanate of Malacca. The ancient Malay
Hindu–
Buddhist states of
Gangga Negara,
Srivijaya and
Majapahit are referenced. Among the collections are the stone
makara statue, the bronze
Avalokiteshvara of
Bidor, the model of
Bujang Valley temple in Kedah, and also displaying region's ancient legacy such as Javan
Borobudur and Majapahit vessel. The exhibit continues to the later Muslim
Sultanate of Malacca and the various states of Malaysia. The display demonstrates the importance of Malaccan sultanate for Malaysian national identity. The second floor is dedicated to the colonial history leading all the way to
Independence. There are copies of the royal headgear of Malay rulers. Other galleries include the National Sports Gallery and the Natural History Gallery. In the vicinity of the museum building, there are a number of outdoor displays of transportation in Malaysia, past and present. The Melaka Bullock Cart exhibit closely resembles the early American horse-drawn wagon. Of unparalleled interest are the
Steam Locomotive made by
Kitson & Co, England, which was put into service in 1921 until it ceased operation in 1969. It covered 1.5 million rail miles; a Tin Dredge which resembles a floating factory, on a natural or artificial lake. Also on display are motorized vehicles, including antiqued civic vehicles and private vehicles, including an early 1.3 liter
Proton Saga, the first national car launched on July 9, 1985. In addition, there are two monuments in the grounds: a
bronze bust of
King Edward VII, and a
statue of
Sir Frank Swettenham. National Museum also holds regular thematic exhibitions featuring specific aspects of life and world culture.
Central Hall Adorning the floor of the Central Hall are blue geometric-design mosaic tiles from Pakistan, with intricate carved panels on the ceiling of the hall. The Central Hall houses temporary exhibitions, and thematic and special exhibitions are held at this hall at intervals to promote an awareness of the country's diverse culture and heritage. Foreign exhibitions are held occasionally. Past exhibitions have included 'The Islamic Civilization', 'Our King', 'The World of Flowers', 'Durian King of Fruits', 'Masks from Sarawak', 'World Currency', 'Islamic Frontiers of China', 'American Frontiers', and 'Religious Architecture from the Netherlands'. The museum places strong emphasis on the Malay World, and a considerable section is devoted to the founding of the
United Malay National Organization, one of the parties of the National Front (
Barisan Nasional). There are few if any mentions of the involvement of the Malayan Chinese Association and the Malayan Indian Congress, which three parties worked together to achieve Independence of Malaya on 31 August 1957.
Istana Satu Another attraction of the museum is an original-size old Terengganu timber palace known as
Istana Satu. It was erected by Sultan
Zainal Abidin III,
Sultan of Terengganu in 1884 in the compound of Kota
Istana Maziah,
Kuala Terengganu. This building is of Terengganu Malay traditional architecture, in the form called "Rumah Tiang Dua Belas". The wood used is
cengal. Istana Satu was erected in the National Museum compound in April 1974. The restored palace is a wooden house designed for the tropics, with stilts that allow air to circulate freely under the building and a steep thatch roof to cool the interior. There are intricate wood carvings on the doors and windows. Next to the Istana Satu are two keliriengs or burial poles. A kelirieng is made of a huge hardwood tree trunk, carved from the top to bottom. Niched up to its sides is a space for the bodies of slaves and followers and hollowed at the top to place the jar containing the chief's bones. == Directors ==