National Education Museum, Tanjung Malim
OPEN FOR PUBLIC. SOME AREAS MAY BE PROHIBITED.
CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR SOME AREAS OR ACTIVITIES.
Housed in the iconic Suluh Budiman Building on the campus of Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), the museum offers a profound journey through the evolution of the nation's education system.
Constructed between 1919 and 1922, the Suluh Budiman Building was designed by renowned architect Leofric Kesteven, who also crafted the Sultan Suleiman Royal Mosque in Klang. The building's architecture showcases elements of medieval Dutch-Gothic style, drawing inspiration from the Notre-Dame Church in France and Salisbury Cathedral in England. Skilled craftsmen from Java and Chinese laborers contributed to its construction, resulting in a structure that exudes historical grandeur.
Originally serving as the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC), the building played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia's educational landscape. In recognition of its significance, it was gazetted as a National Heritage Building on February 14, 2009. Subsequent conservation efforts led to the establishment of the National Education Museum, which was officially inaugurated on July 19, 2011, by Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun.
The museum boasts 21 permanent galleries and one thematic exhibition space, each meticulously curated to depict various facets of Malaysia's educational history. Exhibits cover topics such as early education in Malaya, the development of the national curriculum and the contributions of prominent educational figures like Zainal Abidin Ahmad (Za’ba). Visitors can also explore displays on the evolution of educational technology and the experiences of Malaysian teachers trained abroad in institutions like Kirkby and Brinsford Lodge in the UK.
