A VISIT to the National Museum would be time well-spent. It is a treasure trove of the country's past, its myriad cultures and joint heritage.
The eye-catching building in Jalan Travers, near KL Sentral, is hard to miss. What strikes the eye are the two huge mosaics on the facade. One traces events, including the country's independence in 1957. And the other shows our customs, economic activities and way of life.
Several structures and vehicles in the compound also attract attention. A steam locomotive that served the East Coast from 1921 to 1969, an Austin Seven manufactured in 1935, a Minangkabau-style bullock cart and even Malaysia's first national car, the Proton Saga, are on display.
Inside, Muzium Negara has embraced the digital era. In the movie room on the top floor, you can sit on kerawang-style seats and watch independence documentaries.
Watch as a pakcik takes children down the historical path and teaches them the true importance of freedom. Stand up and echo the country's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman's victorious shouts of "Merdeka!"
You can pick out the information you want on touch-screen monitors, going back in time to witness the signing of the 1874 Treaty of Pangkor.
Mannequins representing historical figures sit around the original table on which the document was signed. As the table slowly spins around, at the press of a button, a voice recording tells you of that first step that gave the British influence over the Malay states.
Director-general of Museums Ibrahim Ismail said recently that ongoing renovations, new exhibits and the use of computers were being introduced to keep up with the times.
"We are renovating section by section so people can still visit the museum. We are also planning to bring in more interesting exhibits in future, such as the Perak Man, a preserved 3,000-year-old skeleton," he said.
Already on show are a bicycle used by Japanese soldiers during World War 2, samurai swords as well as keris, spears and other weapons.
To learn more about the traditions, costumes, ceremonies and rituals of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan, Iban and others who contribute to Malaysia's cultural diversity, take a tour of the cultural gallery.
And you can even take a piece of history home with you. Besides the usual souvenirs in the handicraft shop, you can buy authentic pieces salvaged from shipwrecks, like a Yixing teapot from 1830 recovered from the Desaru shipwreck.
Prices vary from RM240 for a pair of Desaru spoons to RM1,200 for a 1460 Celadon dish from the Royal Nanhai wreck.
Opened in 1963, the National Museum was built on the site of the former Selangor Museum which was partially destroyed in 1945 by bombs.
Tunku Abdul Rahman chose the design of the museum, with 13 pillars each on the west and east sides representing the 13 states of the country.
Ibrahim said there is no admission charge for children in school uniform and those under 12.
"Others need to pay RM2 to learn more about our historical, environmental and cultural heritage."
