Galeria Perdana
Langkawi

Galeria Perdana exterior

Review

Galeria Perdana is an attractive museum in Langkawi displaying gifts, awards and mementos that former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamed received in his official capacity, mostly from foreign governments and corporations, during his tenure as the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. (After this museum opened, he returned to power again as seventh Prime Minister from 2018 to 2020.)

It is good that the public are able view these items rather than them being locked away gathering dust in a government warehouse somewhere.

The Museum Building

Galeria Perdana ceiling

The building in which the gallery is housed is an interesting design. From the outside it has elements of traditional Malay architecture but inside there are two extravagantly ornate ceilings with coloured glass and delicate plasterwork. The surrounding gardens are pleasant.

Interior Exhibits

Galeria Perdana Langkawi

There is a great variety of items on display inside, many of them very desirable. These include a Japanese painting on silk, oriental rugs, Thai wood carvings, wooden model ships, model trains, a large collection of crystal, silverware, laquerware and porcelain treasures, kokeshi dolls, musical instruments, weaponry, textiles, Islamic art, photographs of Dr. Mahathir with world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and a signed photo of former UK Prime Minister Mrs Thatcher (with whom Dr. M was not always on the best terms).

Galeria Perdana cars

Another section showcases a number of motor vehicles, including some Malaysian-made models such as Proton and Perodua.

Galeria Perdana Dr Mahathir

Verdict

I have been three museums dedicated to Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s first 22 years as Prime Minister:

  • His Birthplace in Alor Setar containing personal belongings from his childhood, schooldays, medical career and his early years in politics.
  • and this museum, where the bulk of the gifts and souvenirs received in his official capacity are displayed.

All three are well worth visiting.

Opening Hours and Admission Fee

This museum has been closed to the public since February 2021 due to upgrading work. According to the Department of Museums Malaysia, the museum is scheduled to reopen in October 2024. We will see!

Previous opening hours were:

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (. Closed on Mondays, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidil Adha

Ticket Price

  • Adult RM 10 / RM 5 (MyKad)

  • Children (age 6 – 12) RM 4 / RM 2

How to Get to Galeria Perdana

I have marked the exact location on the map on my Top Langkawi Attractions page.

GPS 6°24'09.5"N 99°51’14.6”E

6.40264, 99.85406


Address: Galeria Perdana, Jalan Ayer Hangat, Mukim Kilim, 07000 Langkawi Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia


Phone: 04-959 1498

Fax: 04-959 1819

Email: pr.gp@jmm.gov.my

Official Website


There is a free car park in front of the museum.

There is also a gift shop and cafe.

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