Royal Regalia Museum

Since construction began in 1969, about 80% has been completed by 1970. The building complex costed an estimated of B$3.35 million. The building was opened in 1971, originally as Churchill Memorial Building. At that time it was the only museum in the world dedicated to commemorate Winston Churchill, It was commissioned by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, known to be a great admirer of the British prime minister albeit the Sultan only met him once when he was in London at one time. Apart from the memorial museum, the building also housed the Hassanal Bolkiah Aquarium, then Brunei's historical and cultural centre, the office of the Department of Fisheries, and a lecture hall. The museum opened its doors on 30 September 1992. Royal regalia, the Sultan's mementos, and exhibits detailing the country's constitutional history were housed there. Since 2 December 2017, the building has been renamed to the Royal Regalia Museum, in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's ascension to the throne. ==Design and architecture==

The Royal Regalia Museum's architecture and design pay homage to Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The memorial building's unique crescent form was maintained while the museum was being built, and original 1960s features including walls, stairs, verandahs, and banisters were integrated into the new structure. The architecture of the museum expands smoothly from the original C-shaped structure, creating a dome-capped section and a semi-circular atrium. This fusion of ancient and modern architecture stands for both innovation and continuity. The dome, which is the main feature, is decorated with golden flower mosaics called bunga putar, which mirror the clothing of the Sultan. The white spire of the dome, which symbolises protection and vigilance in Brunei's royal regalia, is shaped like an umbrella and draws inspiration from traditional Pemanjangan found in Istana Nurul Iman. Exhibits include the artifacts that were used for royal ceremonies in the country, the gold and silver ceremonial weaponry, crowns embedded with jewels, and other paraphernalia that formed part of the coronation ceremonies, and ceremonial costumes. There is an exhibit of a golden hand and forearm that the Sultan used as a prop for his chin at his coronation and an ornate crown, as well as exhibits of "documents and treaties" in the Constitutional Gallery. The Golden Jubilee Exhibition Gallery has a contemporary, interactive design with white and yellow LED lighting. The walls are covered with large photos documenting significant national events and advancements over the Sultan's 75-year reign, along with recollections of his relationship with the populace. There are projections of audio and video from Brunei's Independence Day and his coronation. ==See also==