Muzium Diraja Kuala Kangsar

Royal Museum Kuala Kangsar (formerly known by names such as Istana Kenangan, Istana Lembah or Istana Tepas) was established in 1926, in the city of Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia by a carpenter named Haji Sopian and assisted by his two sons, they are from Seberang Perai.

The museum was built on the orders of D.Y.M.M. The late Sultan Iskandar Shah (Marhum Kaddasallah) as a temporary residence, because at that time the Istana Iskandariah was still under construction to replace the Istana Negara. His Majesty D.Y.M.M. The late Sultan Iskandar Shah resided in this Istana Kenangan from 1931 to 1933. After his majesty moved to Istana Iskandariah, it was used as a Guest Palace especially on Royal Celebrations such as birthdays, the appointment of Perak dignitaries and other Ceremonies DiRaja Perak Darul Ridzuan.

In terms of its architectural form, Istana Kenangan symbolizes traditional Malay architecture which is impressive. The construction of this building is entirely made of hard wood, with flat walls and a wooden roof (diamond type wood). Iron nails are not used in the construction of this building. It is decorated with interesting Malay carvings that use silent tepas with traditional Malay woven patterns and the wall colors represent the silver state colors of yellow, black, and white.

The building is built on sixty pillars, which are approximately 41 meters long and 11 meters wide. The shape of this building symbolizes a piece of field stored in its sheath. The central part on top of this building is placed a throne. The lower floor of this building is used as His Majesty’s official office, where it has a cement floor and is covered with blinds.

The name Istana Kenangan was given in the 1960s after it was repaired with the efforts of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Istana Kenangan was occupied by the Royal family of Perak until 1982, when the late Sultan Idris II agreed to hand it over under the supervision of the National Museum Department.

In 1986, it was turned into a Royal Museum, where its maintenance was handed over to the State Administration of Perak Darul Ridzuan. On 16 November 1986, the Perak Royal Museum was inaugurated by D.Y.M.M Sultan Azlan Muhibbudin Shah.