Page 25 - 2023 eMag Final Draft

2 CULTURAL Jointly reported by:

Isaac Lim Ee Chen Jr3Z(3)
LOCATIONS
Jess Khoo Sr2ScA

L
MA
IN IN MALaYSIA
I
A
aY
S

“This was the place where we had our
first date.”
environment for children. The second
The Borneo Cultures Museum is Stepping into a realm where the boundaries
a tribute to the extensive history and exhibit “In Harmony with Nature” between dream and reality blur into an awe-
diverse cultures of the island of Borneo illustrates the relationship between the inspiring tapestry of modern wonders, an ambience
and is situated in Sarawak, the heart indigenous tribes with their natural of artistic serenity fills the gaps between each piece
of Borneo. It is the largest museum in environment using immersive and and person’s mind.

Malaysia. With its plethora of exhibits multisensory experiences.
and artifacts, it serves as a gold mine of Urban Museum (UR-MU) is a quirky
knowledge and history. The “Time Changes” exhibition on
level four focuses on education and contemporary art museum hidden away in the
showcases archaeological discoveries bohemian sector in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, its
The Borneo Cultures Museum is a modern design standing out from the run-down neighbourhood around it. Spanning
modern five-story building with a and findings within Sarawak. It displays five floors, each floor contains artworks of different themes, including Sens-Asia, People,
distinctive architectural design that is Sarawak’s history, spanning from the Kampung Kita, Power Play, Raksasa (Monster), Superheros, Framing Modernity,
based on Sarawak’s unique traditional prehistoric era to modern times. Finally, Structure, Made’s Garden and Sculpture Lounge. One of the more distinctive sections

crafts and rich cultural traditions. On the museum displays its masterpieces on is the roof-top sculpture garden, a Balinese garden to commemorate the late landscape
level one, the auditorium and function level five. The “Objects of Desire” gallery maestro from Bali, Pak Made Wijaya.
rooms turn the museum into a vibrant is home to over 1000 artefacts, offering

venue for social and cultural exchange. visitors the opportunity to appreciate The museum consists of various As a side note, this is the place where
the artefacts’ artistic beauty. This gallery
showcases artefacts that epitomise mediums of artwork such as canvas one of the interviewed visitors (a friend of
The museum houses four exhibition paintings, embossed wood prints, the writers) had their first date with a recent
galleries. The first exhibit is a Children’s exquisite craftsmanship, possessing sculptures, photography, videography, ex. They expressed a sense of nostalgia as
gallery themed “Love Our Rivers” designs believed to hold divine powers architectural designs and even vintage it’d been more than a year since they’d step

which emphasises on sustainability and and symbolising social status. toys. The displayed artworks are regional, foot in the museum.
also provides an interactive learning eclectic and convey some of the aspirations
The admission fees for the museum are

quite affordable. It would take about 3 to 4 and moods of the recent era. Works from “My life and professional journey
hours to completely explore the museum, the collector’s architectural journey form has given me periods in Australia,
giving a fully immersive experience to an important part of this collection, Indonesia (in particular Bali), Thailand,
both local and foreign visitors. showcasing more than 100 artworks in a Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines and
single museum. Sri Lanka and so I have works from
these countries. I’ve found art to be a
UR-MU poses a stark distinction wonderful expression of the culture,

and contrast in comparison to traditional context and times that I’ve lived in. So
Malaysian museums, placing both local in that sense, my collection is the story
and foreign modern works of art upon a of who I was and who I am”
Photography provided by the -Dr Tan Loke Mun, Founder of UR-MU
Borneo Cultures Museum pedestal for all to admire.

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