Museums in Ipoh and Perak state tend to concentrate on the region's culture, archeological heritage and former important tin-mining and rubber industries.
Often set in heritage buildings, they are more traditional in their approach to display than many Asian museums. There are no state-owned art galleries here, but a number of small commercial art galleries can be found around Ipoh city centre, exhibiting either traditional Malaysian art or contemporary works by local artists.
Darul Ridzuan Museum
Address: Jalan Panglima, Old Town, Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
Situated close to the railway station, the Town Hall (Dewan Bandaran) and the Court House (Mahkanah Tinggi), this little 'muzium' is set in a heritage building and shows the history of the forestry and tin mining industries here, with many geological and mechanical artefacts on display. The Muzium Darul Ridzuan is located within a charming old villa dating back to the 1920s, with the changing temporary exhibits adding further interest. In the garden, you may like to check out the concrete air-raid shelters from the Second World War.
Open: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: free
Geological Museum
Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 05 557 644
The Geological Museum is home to innumerable specimens of over 600 different minerals, fossils, rocks and precious gems, as well as its collection of tin ores, for which it has become most famous. Located on the Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and close to the Ipoh Royal Golf Club, this geological attraction resides on the southern side of the city.
Open: Monday to Thursday - 08:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 16:00, Friday - 12:00 to 14:45, Saturday and Sunday - 12:30 to 16:00
Admission: free
Perak State Museum
Address: Jalang Taming Sari, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 05 807 2057
Chronicling the history of Perak, the Perak State Museum is located around an hour away and to the north-west, in nearby Taiping. This is the oldest attraction of its kind in the entire country, set in a colonial-style building. Its displays include cultural, natural, ethnological and archeological collections, all of which are well-displayed and arranged within its four spacious galleries.
Open: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00, Friday - 09:00 to 12:15, 14:45 to 17:00
Admission: free
Lenggong Archaeological Museum
Address: Kota Tampang, Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia, MY
Lenggong Valley in Perak state holds the oldest human settlements in Malaysia, going back more than 50,000 years. Many artefacts excavated here can be viewed at the Lenggong Archaeological Museum and include the famous Perak Man skeleton, which is reputed to be around 11,000 years old and was the very reason that this attraction was built.
Open: Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00, Friday - 09:00 to 12:15, 14:45 to 17:00
Admission: free
Perak Royal Museum
Address: Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia, MY
Previously named the Istana Kenangan, the Perak Royal Museum is a tribute to traditional building methods in Perak and was built entirely of precious woods, without the use of either nails or plans. An architectural masterpiece and cultural treasure, the structure is gaily painted in white, yellow and black, the colours of the Malaysian national flag, and its interior walls are decorated with inlaid bamboo geometric motifs.
Open: daily - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: free
Pasir Salak Historical Complex
Address: Kampung Gajah, Perak, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 05 631 1188
Located in the neighbouring town of Kampung Gajah, some 70 km / 43 miles to the north of Ipoh, this historical complex is a popular tourist destination and focuses on Malaysia's development after independence. The venue celebrates the freedom fighters who struggled for their country's independence, and this site is the spot where the British Resident JWW Birch was assassinated, giving rise to the final conflict.
Open: Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 17:00, Friday - 10:00 to 12:00, 14:45 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge
