The building of the Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) is the biggest development project in the history of the Sarawak Museum since it was established in 1891. The BCM, opened in 2022 is the first museum in Malaysia to be certified as a Green Building under the Green Building Index (GBI). The five-storey building consists of climate controlled permanent and temporary exhibitions spaces, Children's Gallery, function room, auditorium, restaurant, and a souvenir shop.
There is also an Arts and Crafts Gallery which includes activity labs and a dance studio. In the theme-based permanent exhibitions, the BCM offers immersive and interactive experiences for visitors using audio-visual technology and interactive displays. The usage of modern technology in the BCM enhances the artefacts display and supports the storyline of the exhibition.
The thematic galleries at the BCM are as follows:
At Level 2, the Children’s Gallery offers a distinct experience that is specifically targeted to primary school children. In the ‘Love Our Rivers’ gallery, children go on an adventure with the River Guardians to learn about the rivers of Sarawak and how to keep them clean.
At Level 3, in the ‘In Harmony with Nature’ gallery, visitors encounter the cultures of the people who live in the coastal, rainforest and highland regions of Sarawak. Visitors can listen to stories, see zoological specimens and immerse themselves in the rich biodiverse environments.
At Level 4, in the ‘Time Changes’ gallery, visitors travel through time to explore the development and evolution of human settlements in Sarawak since the Paleolithic period. This level features archaeological and historical artefacts, and covers the significant events that shaped the history of Sarawak.
At Level 5, the ‘Objects of Desire’ gallery showcases the beauty of the artefacts. The gallery features the best examples of material culture from the collections of the Sarawak Museum. This gallery allows visitors to explore the uniqueness and value of these objects to the local communities of Sarawak.
