International Museum Day 2026
After a successful 2025 run, International Museum Day is back this year to celebrate local museums and their important roles as carers of information and knowledge in our communities. All 19 museums that are under the care of the Department of Museums Malaysia will offer free admission to Malaysian citizens for the celebrations, for one day only on 18th May 2026.
Free entry to 19 museums across Malaysia
According to its website, the Department of Museums Malaysia, or Jabatan Muzium Malaysia (JMM), operates the following museums in the following states:
- Kota Johor Lama Museum, Johor
- Galeria Perdana, Kedah
- Kota Kuala Kedah Museum, Kedah
- Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum, Kedah
- National Museum, KL
- Orang Asli Crafts Museum, KL
- Malay World Ethnology Museum, KL
- National Textile Museum, KL
- Royal Museum, KL
- Music Museum, KL
- Chimney Museum, Labuan
- Labuan Marine Museum, Labuan
- Labuan Museum, Labuan
- Malaysia Architectural Museum, Melaka
- Custom Museum, Negeri Sembilan
- Lukut Museum, Negeri Sembilan
- Sungai Lembing Museum, Pahang
- Matang Museum, Perak
- Perak Museum, Perak
- Kota Kayang Museum, Perlis
- National Automobile Museum, Selangor
All the museums listed above have opening hours from 9am-5pm, daily.
Learn more about local textiles at the National Textile Museum in KL.
Image credit: CK Tan via Google Maps
The list remains the same as in 2025, with five museums in KL offering free admission; three in Kedah and Labuan; two in Negeri Sembilan and Perak; and one in Johor, Melaka, Pahang, and Selangor.
These museums usually collect a small ticketing fee for locals to visit their spaces, but no admission fees will be collected on 18th May as they celebrate International Museum Day 2026.
The National Automobile Museum in Sepang has a good collection of automobiles and information on their history.
Image credit: Gio Leong via Google Maps
This year’s International Museum Day is a collaboration between JMM and the Johor Heritage Foundation. In Johor, International Museum Day 2026 will be held from 23rd to 30th June, so Malaysians can look forward to more museums to visit for free.
In the same announcement for International Museum Day 2026, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also stated that the Madani government is set on revamping museums nationwide under Budget 2026.
Free admission to local museums for International Museum Day 2026
As part of the global celebration of International Museum Day, Malaysia is offering complimentary access to 19 museums nationwide. It’ll be a time to enjoy some of our city’s important institutions of education and diversity without the usual ticket cost.
Also read: 25 Birthday Deals & Freebies In Malaysia In 2026 – Buffets, Desserts & Karaoke Sessions
Cover image adapted from: Emna Esseghir via Google Maps, @hajidazhar via Instagram