The Textile Museum
"The Pavillion" now housing the Textile and Costume Museum
Sarawak Textile Museum may not sound like an interesting place to visit but to fashion designers and those who appreciate art and craft, this is definitely the place to get new inspirations. Displayed here are the best of authentic ethnic textiles, fabric and costumes of the many ethnic races for which Sarawak is justly proud of.
Situated near the junction of Carpenter Street and Jalan Tun Haji Openg, and directly opposite the old General Post Office, its architectural oddity is immediately apparent to the discerning. This three-storey rectangular building is a mixture of English Rennaisance and colonial-era design. Yet some even described its elaborate windows and columns as a New Orleans town house of yesteryears.
Built in the Brooke era in 1907, it first housed a medical dispensary until 1947 when it became the office of the Education Department of colonial Sarawak. The building was referred to as “The Pavillion” until the present museum began in the year 2000.
The flow of the exhibition starts with the raw materials through to the weaving at the loom and the finished fabric and finally ends with the costume. The display of authentic ethnic textile is definitely eye-catching with the famous Iban pua kumbu, with its mesmerising motifs, and the equally exquisite Malay Kain Songket and batik.
The resplendant Iban ceremonial costumes
There is a display of costume like the elegant Malay and nyonya kebaya, baju Melayu, and the resplendant Iban’s women ceremonial wears complete with ornamental trinkets and headwears, and of course the signature pua kumbu-inspired Iban costume, a must-buy among many tourists to Sarawak.
Mannequins of weavers at work
A flight upstair along an ornate balustrade brings the visitors to more displays. There are life-size manniquins sitting and standing at the looms, weavers and sewing machines depicting the various stages of fabric making. However, due to the subdued lightings it can be quite spooky getting near the mannequins when there are no other visitors around!
There are also some display of household items made from rattan like baskets and decorative items.
Quick Facts
- Opening daily : 9.00 am - 4.30 pm
- Closed : 1st day of Major Festivals
- Location : Jalan Tun Hj. Openg, opposite General Post Office
- Entrance Fee : Free
- Phone contact : 082-246194
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