Museums
Museums in Kota Bharu are
located close to one another near the "Padang
Merdeka" (Independence Square). All
are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except
on Fridays.
Bank Kerapu (War
Memorial Museum)
This museum contains collections
of Japanese photographic memorabilia and
documents relating to World War II. Dating
back to 1912, the War Museum occupies the
oldest brick building in Kelantan. Some
artifacts, especially Japanese swords are
on display.
Syura Hall (Islamic
Museum)
The history of Islam in
Kelantan can be found in this mosque-like
building that is located across the road
from Bank Kerapu. Artifacts and inscriptions
document how Islam is so important in the
everyday life of the state. The building
itself was once known as "Serambi Mekah"
(Verandah to Mecca), which refers to its
days as Kelantan's first school of Islamic
instruction.
Istana Jahar (Royal
Custom Museum)
Built in 1887 by Sultan
Muhamad II, this beautiful old wooden structure
is definitely worth a visit. The carved
wooden panels and intricate wooden framework
displayed act as a testimony to the superb
craftsmanship of the Kelantan people. Recently
renovated and converted as a museum, it
houses many valuable historical and cultural
artifacts. Inside, do take note of the wrought-iron
staircases on either side of the room that
lead upstairs to a glorious wooden verandah.
Istana Batu (The
Royal Museum)
This massive blue-and-white
building is commonly referred to as the
"Istana Bata" (The Brick Palace).
Built in 1939, the Royal Museum served as
the palace of the crowned prince from 1969,
until it was donated to the state. It was
used as a venue for royal weddings and to
house royal guests. Today, the museum displays
a variety of royal arts and artifacts, as
well as historical paraphernalia that belonged
to former "Sultans" (kings). Visitors
can expect to see items such as a royal
dining room, an opulent living room, replicas
of crown jewels, and other royal bric-a-brac.
On top of that, photographic exhibition
on the life of the late Sultan of Kelantan
can also be seen.
Kampung Kraftangan
(Handicraft Village and Craft Museum)
Kelantan's exquisite range
of handicrafts is on display here. Silverware,
"songket", batik, and woodcarvings
are exhibited here, as well as for sale.
Other cultural activities are also depicted
in this museum.
Istana Balai Besar
(Palace of the Large Audience Hall)
Surrounded by walls, this
palace is closed to the public. Located
opposite the Istana Batu, the palace was
built in 1840 by Sultan Muhamad II to replace
his palace on the Kelantan River. It now
serves as the venue for ceremonial functions
and investiture ceremonies.
State Museum
Located next to the tourist
information center, the State Museum brings
together a selective array of artifacts,
crafts, paintings, and photographic displays
that are all connected in some way to the
state of Kelantan. Excellent Ming and Qing
Dynasty porcelain and kites are displayed.
Local art exhibits portray nostalgic themes
that celebrate "kampung" (village)
life.
Gelanggang Seni
(Cultural Centre)
Located within Kota Bharu,
this is a must on every visitor's itinerary.
One will be treated to Kelantan's rich cultural
heritage. Popular folk arts and pastimes,
such as gasing (top spinning), wau (kite
flying), wayang kulit (shadow puppet show),
and silat (traditional martial arts) are
demonstrated here. Traditional art forms
of "Bendikir Barat" and "Rebana
Ubi" are also performed here. They
are specific Kelantanese music that are
different from anything ever heard before.
Exhibits of Islamic architecture, ceramics
manufacture, and textile and silk weaving
can also be seen.
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