Kelantan Islamic Museum, Islamic cultural museum in Kota Bharu, Malaysia
The Kelantan Islamic Museum is an institution in Kota Bharu dedicated to the Islamic heritage of the region, housed in a two-story wooden building decorated with Islamic calligraphy and Quranic verses throughout its structure. The collection includes manuscripts, artifacts, and documents that record the deep connection this region has maintained with Islamic faith and knowledge.
The building originally served as a residence for Chief Minister Hassan Mohd Salleh before being converted into a museum in the early 1990s. Its opening by Sultan Ismail Petra marked the start of its role as a public institution for preserving the region's Islamic knowledge.
The museum displays how Islam shaped daily life in this region, with exhibits revealing deep religious traditions that continue to influence local communities. The collection shows how Islamic knowledge and practices became woven into Kelantan's identity over centuries.
The museum is open daily except Fridays from morning until late afternoon and can be easily reached from the airport or by the historic railway line. Visitors should plan time to explore both floors, as each level displays different aspects of the collection and its research materials.
The floor plan divides the experience into two distinct zones: the lower level showcases the region's religious roots through displays, while the upper floor houses a specialized library for research. This separation allows visitors to explore both the public history and the deeper academic dimension of the subject.
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