13 State Houses

Malaysia Heritage Studios is home to many traditional houses embodying each state in Malaysia. Here, all houses are given a touch of character that best describes our heritage and culture. All state houses have been redefined and redesigned in a more immersive way!

Explore Houses

Rumah Perlis

House of Busana

Rumah Pulau Pinang

House of Silver Screen

Rumah Kedah

House of Cultural Belief

Rumah Perak

House of Music

Rumah Selangor

House of Merdeka

Rumah Negeri Sembilan

House of Wood Crafts

Rumah Melaka

House of Golden Age of Melaka

Rumah Johor

House of Festivities

Rumah Kelantan

House of Performance Arts

Rumah Terengganu

House of Aquamarine

Rumah Pahang

House of Hope

Rumah Sabah

House of Ethnic Arts

Rumah Sarawak

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Rumah Sabah

House of Ethnic Arts

1001 Borneo Nights

House of Ethnic Arts: 1001 Borneo Nights, situated in Rumah Sabah, presents a unique exhibit featuring authentic masks from Borneo’s diverse ethnicities, some dating back over a century. These masks hold special significance, serving purposes ranging from entertainment to protection against evil. Masks have been integral to Borneo’s culture for centuries, used in various ceremonies and rituals, including healing practices. Each mask, with its distinct shape, size, and design, represents different animals, spirits, or deities.

Rumah Pahang

House of Hope

Happily, Ever After

Rumah Pahang is now known as House of Hope: Happily, Ever After. Hope, a universal aspiration, motivates individuals to move forward. In this space, visitors can express their wishes and hopes, echoing a cultural tradition seen across different cultures. Wooden Plaques, known as Ema in Japan, and Chinese Fortune Sticks, called Kau Chim, are symbols of this practice. Ema, left at shrines, carry prayers, and wishes, while Kau Chim offers guidance through interpreted answers. Sky Lanterns, originating from China, symbolise hope and prosperity. Traditionally used in battles, they now adorn festivals and celebrations worldwide.

Rumah Terengganu

House of Aquamarine

The Blue Jewels

At Rumah Terengganu, we spotlight Malaysia’s oceans as a vital part of our cultural heritage, naming the house House of Aquamarine: The Blue Jewels. Malaysia’s indigenous cultures have deep ties to the sea, relying on its resources for survival. However, biodiversity loss poses a significant threat to both cultural traditions and marine ecosystems. The ocean holds the stories of our ancestors and promises for the future. Losing these marine treasures would sever our connection to the past and diminish our cultural diversity. Recognising our role as stewards of the ocean is critical to ensure its cultural significance endures for future generations.

Rumah Kelantan

House of Performance Arts

Fantasia

House of Performance Arts: Fantasia, housed in Rumah Kelantan, celebrates Malaysia’s cultural heritage through performance arts. Our exhibition revitalises the traditional art of wayang kulit, blending it with modern technology for an engaging experience. Inspired by Siti Hajar Aznam’s innovative project, ‘Ulek Mayang: Spirits of The Sea,’ we weave traditional narratives with contemporary elements. Aznam’s animated wayang kulit adorned with Malay batik patterns serves as a model for our approach. Our exhibition aims to present traditional art forms in a modern light, aligning with Aznam’s groundbreaking work.

Rumah Johor

House of Festivities

Rumah Terbuka

Rumah Johor is dubbed as House of Festivities: Rumah Terbuka with its concept celebrating diverse cultural festivities significant to various Malaysian races, encompassing rich customs and traditions cherished nationwide. The house showcases Malay weddings, symbolising the fusion of Islamic teachings and traditional practices in marriage solemnisation and reception. Also featured are the vibrant customs of Baba Nyonya, representing the unique blend of Chinese and Malay cultures in the Straits Settlements. Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, commemorates the triumph over darkness and is celebrated with illuminations and decorations by Malaysia’s Indian community. Adapted to Malaysian culture, it reflects the country’s diverse fabric. Similarly, Chinese New Year, marked by family gatherings and wishes for prosperity, is observed with enthusiasm, emphasising positive beginnings, and leaving behind negativity.

Rumah Melaka

House of Golden Age of Melaka

Once Upon A Time

Rumah Melaka honours the zenith of the Malay Sultanate era, known as Zaman Kegemilangan Melayu Melaka, hence earning the title “House of The Golden Age of Melaka: Once Upon a Time.” In collaboration with local digital illustrators, we bring to life the splendour of this era through wall illustrations and digital displays. In this golden age, Melaka flourished as a kingdom of beauty and power, spreading its influence globally. Various theories speculate on the origin of the name “Melaka,” from Sanskrit myths to Arabic trading connections, highlighting its significance as a thriving hub of commerce and cultural exchange in Southeast Asia.

Rumah Negeri Sembilan

House of Wood Crafts

Seni Ukir Melayu

House of Woodcrafts: Seni Ukir Melayu, previously Rumah Negeri Sembilan, pays homage to the art of wood crafting, specifically Malay craftsmanship. Stepping into the exhibit, visitors are transported to a nostalgic era, immersed in traditional Malay music amidst classic décors. Ornate furniture and intricate wood carvings adorn the space, showcasing centuries of cultural evolution. Each piece, from tables to cabinets, embodies Malay artistry, reflecting the evolution of design, technique, and symbolism.

Rumah Selangor

House of Merdeka

Tanah Tumpah Darahku

House of Merdeka: Tanah Tumpah Darahku, formerly Rumah Selangor, is dedicated to showcasing the spirit of Malaysia through symbolic exhibits. These conceptual displays encompass national flowers, songs, colours, and the Rukun Negara, emphasising unity amidst diversity. As a nation that has achieved independence despite various challenges, Malaysia’s identity is forged through the collective efforts of its people. Tanah Tumpah Darahku metaphorically represents the generations of Malaysians who have contributed to the country’s progress. Through exhibits like Stripes of Glory (Jalur Gemilang) and national flower installations, visitors are invited to embrace patriotism and appreciate the common bonds that unite us.

Rumah Perak

House of Music

Sounds of Music

Rumah Perak, now named House of Music: Sounds of Music, celebrates Malaysia’s musical heritage through an immersive exhibition. Centred around the Gamelan Ensemble, visitors get to explore diverse traditional instruments and their significance, divided into four categories: membranophones, idiophones, chordophones, and aerophones. Discover the evolution of traditional music, bridging the past and present while preserving heritage with innovation. From the enchanting Gamelan to the soulful seruling, each instrument narrates Malaysia’s historical and cultural evolution. Traditional instruments like the sape and gendang enrich religious and cultural ceremonies, becoming the heartbeat of Malaysia’s musical traditions.

Rumah Kedah

House of Cultural Belief

From Another World

Renamed as the House of Cultural Belief: From Another World, Rumah Kedah serves as an exploration of Malaysia’s diverse cultural beliefs. The first part of the house, rooted in Kedah’s identity as the rice bowl of Malaysia, we metaphorically delve into cultural beliefs surrounding paddy, symbolised throughout the exhibit. Paddy holds immense significance in Malaysian culture, symbolising life, and prosperity. Beyond beliefs, paddy is the staple food of Malaysia and a crucial resource for the economy’s progress.

In the second part, we will investigate the significance of light in Malaysian society. Pelita in Malay culture signifies life’s illumination, associated with success and happiness. Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, celebrates light’s triumph over darkness in Hindu culture, while lanterns guide ancestral spirits during Chinese festivities, symbolising hope, and prosperity. Across religions and cultures, the symbolism of light resonates, emphasising universal values of hope, goodness, and prosperity, enriching Malaysia’s cultural landscape.

Rumah Pulau Pinang

House of Silver Screen

Lights, Camera, Action!

At Rumah Pulau Pinang, dubbed the House of Silver Screen: Lights, Camera, Action! we pay homage to the pinnacle of Malaysian cinema, particularly during the era of the legendary Allahyarham P.Ramlee’s films. Being P.Ramlee’s birthplace, Rumah Pulau Pinang inspired us to dedicate this exhibition to the cinematic legacy of Malaysia. Meticulously curated to capture the essence of the 1950s and early 60s, it transports visitors to the golden age of Malay cinema, epitomised by P.Ramlee’s iconic works.

Rumah Perlis

House of Busana

Who’s The Fairest of Them All

Rumah Perlis, also known as the House of Busana, presents “Who’s The Fairest of Them All,” an exhibition reimagining traditional fashion by blending traditional silhouettes with modern presentation. In collaboration with a local designer, we recreated seven traditional costumes: kurta, saree, changsan, Malay male attire, kebaya, Puteri Perak, and Che Siti Wan Kembang. Unlike the competitive notion of beauty, our house celebrates individual uniqueness symbolised by mirrors adorning the veranda walls.