The Merdeka 118 Precinct is taking shape as more than a new destination in Kuala Lumpur. At its heart is a world-class precinct anchored on Malaysian heritage, bringing together culture, commerce, retail, hospitality and tourism within one destination.

That connection to heritage begins with two of the country’s most significant landmarks, Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara.

Adding to the cultural richness of the precinct is the newly opened Merdeka Textile Museum, or MTM. Located within Look at 118, beside the historic Stadium Merdeka, MTM is dedicated to preserving, celebrating and inspiring appreciation for the textile traditions of the Malay World. Through the lens of the late Puan Azah Aziz, whose collection of textiles, costumes and jewellery form the core collection and inspiration for the museum, MTM explores textiles not only for their beauty and craftsmanship, but for what they can tell us about the people and societies that created them.

The museum unfolds across eight thematic galleries, inspired by the Bunga Pecah Lapan, an eight-petalled floral motif commonly found in Malay textiles. The galleries explore Malay World textiles from different perspectives, from their close relationship with nature and material culture to the influence of centuries-old trade and cultural exchange.

As visitors move through the museum, they discover that textiles can tell stories far beyond their craftsmanship. Motifs, patterns and colours reveal identity, status and meaning, while techniques such as weaving, tie-dyeing, block stamping, wax resist, gold-leaf stamping and embroidery reflect generations of skill and artistry. Textiles also carried expressions of power and spirituality, from the tengkolok and Songket Limar, associated with rank and prestige, to Cindai and Limar Ayat, which hold deeper symbolic and spiritual meaning.

The journey then moves into the present and looks to the future. Familiar forms such as the Baju Kurung, Baju Kebaya and Baju Melayu show how these traditions continue to be worn and reinterpreted today, while the final gallery explores sustainability, technology, contemporary design and new materials.

The Merdeka Textile Museum has also been conceived with a new generation of museum visitors in mind. Rather than relying solely on traditional displays, authentic artefacts are combined with digital, immersive and multi-sensory storytelling. Visitors encounter experiences that engage sight, sound, touch and smell, alongside interactive elements that help place the objects they see within their historical and cultural context.

This approach reflects the museum’s wider ambition to become a state-of-the-art textile museum in Asia while contributing to education on Malay World textiles globally. It is also intended to encourage a renewed appreciation of traditional arts, particularly among younger and international audiences.

The experience continues at the MTM Shop, designed as a platform to stimulate and support Malaysia’s artisan and traditional craft ecosystem. Its carefully considered product mix showcases works by local Adigurus, master artisans and craftspeople from across Malaysia, alongside custom MTM merchandise designed to appeal to both local and international visitors. Reflecting its commitment to Malaysian craftsmanship, 80% of the shop’s products are locally sourced, complemented by a select 20% from regional artisans. With merchandise available across a range of price points, the MTM Shop enables every visitor to take home a meaningful reminder of the museum while contributing to the continued appreciation and preservation of Malaysia’s rich craft heritage.

According to Datuk Ir. Ts. (Dr.) Izwan Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of PNB Merdeka Ventures (PNBMV), “The Merdeka Textile Museum cements Merdeka 118’s position as a cultural and civic icon. As a custodian of the nation’s heritage and a keeper of legacy, our ambition is to build a world-class precinct with global appeal while remaining rooted in what is distinctly Malaysian. The museum is an important part of this, elevating the precinct beyond its commercial offerings through heritage while encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore more and experience the many dimensions of the Merdeka 118 Precinct.”

Threaded throughout the museum is the scholarship and passion of the late Puan Azah Aziz, whose lifelong dedication to Malay textiles, dress and cultural heritage forms an important foundation for the museum. Her extraordinary personal collection, donated by her family to Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), comprises 240 garments and 69 pieces of traditional jewellery, including sarung songket, Baju Kurung Limar and Tekat Emas.

The collection reflects Azah Aziz’s approach to studying textiles within the wider context of Malay culture, history and society. Her work, including her seminal publication, Rupa & Gaya: Busana Melayu, together with references from classical Malay literature, also shapes how the museum presents and interprets Malay World textiles. Visitors interested in exploring her work further can also find Rupa & Gaya: Busana Melayu at the museum’s gift shop, MTM Shop.

To ensure a more seamless experience at the Merdeka Textile Museum, visitors are encouraged to book their preferred time slot online at merdekatextile.com and obtain their tickets at the MTM Shop counter. For a limited introductory period, admission to the museum is RM20 for MyKad holders and RM50 for non-MyKad holders, while students and senior citizens enjoy complimentary admission. For the latest updates, follow @MerdekaTextileMuseum.