KUCHING: The completion of the new Sarawak Museum building is expected to draw more visitors back to the state attraction.
There has been a slight decline in the number of visitors to the museum in the past few years due to renovation work.
State Museum Director, Ipoi Datan, said in September, 2016, his department recorded about 450,000 visitors compared to about 800,000 visitors for the past four to five years.
“This is due to the closure of two museum galleries under the State Museum Department for renovation purposes.
“We hope that with the completion of the new museum, the number of visitors will improve as we will have a “Dino T-Rex” exhibition and many other exhibitions for the visitors.
“The new museum is expected to be completed next year as it involves the total renovation of the old building.
“There will be a children’s corner where the children can interact hands-on with the exhibition, together with an interactive multimedia show and a child care centre for the staff,” said Ipoi.
He revealed this to reporters during the closing ceremony of the Museum Carnival 2017 held at the State Museum Ethnology compound yesterday.
Ipoi added that new museum would exhibit collections from various eras of civilisation of the local ethnic people as well as animals and insects.
The Museum Carnival 2017 was organised by the State Museum Department.
Activities held included a Treasure Hunt for students, a 60s Song Singing Competition and the setting up of booths to sell local handmade crafts.
