If the traditional arts and crafts of Malaysia are of interest to you, then the textile museum of Kuching is well-worth a visit. Located in historical quarter of downtown Kuching, the textile museum is located opposite the Kuching General Post Office and beside the Sarawak Craft Council. The museum is easily accessible from various downtown Kuching hotels and also the Kuching waterfront.
Kuching’s textile museum is housed in an impressive, well-maintained, landmark, colonial-era building which sports a rectangular structure and is adorned with tall columns. This edifice, which was known as the Pavilion was built in 1907, and served as a medical center at first. The building which extends over three floors used to host consultation rooms and a laboratory on its ground floor, while its first floor was home to the European hospital i.e. a hospital reserved for Europeans only, while the topmost floor was occupied by the nurses quarters.
The building has a lot of history associated it with for during World War II, it was occupied by the Japanese who used it as their headquarters. After the war, the building served as the headquarters of Sarawak’s Education Department until the 1970’s, after which it was handed over to the Justice Department. It was then converted into a museum and opened to the public in August 2005.
The textile museum today is sectioned into four main galleries which display local textiles and costumes woven and handcrafted by the native people of Sarawak. These galleries are arranged in a manner, which showcases the process of preparation of the raw materials, weaving, creating costume, motif, accessories and elaborate wedding attire. Also on display are contemporary textiles and garments created using traditional weaving and design-techniques.
The museum is an absolute treat for visitors especially those who have an interest in textiles and design elements.
Opening times
The museum is open from 9.00 am to 4.30pm daily
Admission to the museum is free for the public.
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