TAIPING the town of everlasting peace

Perak Museum, Main Road (opposite prison)
                                             
  Objective  
  The objective behind the setting up of the museum is to establish a repository of the rich 
  cultural  heritage of Malaysia.  

  The Muzium Perak (Perak Museum) is the oldest museum in the Peninsula.  The building 
  was completed in 1886, and subsequent additions were made in 1900.  

In the early days, the pioneers of museum work in what was then Malaya gave greater 
emphasis to the natural sciences, especially flora and fauna that had economic significance.  It was only much later that 
the museum began to document the material culture and the life of the peoples of Malaysia.  

Collection  
There are three collections - anthropology, zoology and local history - with a total of over 3,000 artifacts.  

The anthropological collections include different types of weapons, implements of husbandry, ornaments, dresses, household articles for daily use, musical instruments, symbols and requisites of religions, marriage and death ceremonies collected since the opening of the museum.  

Exhibition/Galleries  
There are four galleries.  Exhibits are mostly displayed in showcases.  Photographs and charts are also utilised.  Temporary exhibitions on various subjects are held periodically.  

Facilities  
There are laboratory and workshop facilities where minor conservation work on specimens is done.  Major work is normally sent to Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, its parent body.  

The modest library contains publications on anthropology, archaeology, natural history and early government.  

Educational Activities  
Research scholars and students are permitted to use the library facilities.  Guided tours in the museum are extended to visitors and students (in groups) on request.  

Publications  
The museum ceased publishing the journal of the Federated Malay States Museums when Muzium Negara took over the publishing of the Federation Museums Journal (New Series) in 1954.  There has been no publications since then.  

Operating Hours  
Open:     Daily from 9.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.  
              Fridays from 9.30 a.m - 12.00 noon  
              and 2.30 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.  
Closed:  Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji.  

Admission  
Free  

How To Get There  
The museum is located in Taiping, approximately 85 km from lpoh, the state capital of Perak.  It is situated opposite the Taiping Prison about 1/3 km from the town centre.  

Enquiries  
Muzium Perak,  
Jalan Taming Sari,  
34000 Taiping,  
Perak.  
Tel: 05-8072057