Balai Pameran Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah

The Museum was founded by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to promote Islamic knowledge and heritage globally. It is a museum for his personal collection of artifacts, manuscripts and Korans and a research center for the collection and dissemination of scholarly Islamic work. The building is approximately 15,000 SQ.M. and includes 3,500 SQ.M. of gallery space along with a 300-seat auditorium and conference center facilities. In addition, a 100,000-volume library and classroom facilities for on-site scholars and faculty forms the core of the research center.

LOCATION: Brunei

CLIENT: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah

SIZE: 161,459 SQ.FT/15,000 SQ.M

COMPLETION: Completed 2019

CATEGORY: Cultural

Images: Kerun Ip

The PEI design takes its cues from local Bruneian architecture and is intended to be a distinctive icon of Islamic design. Situated on one of the highest points in the city, the building and its plaza have sweeping views of the lush rain forest surrounding the site and the Sultan’s Istana, or palace, nearby.

The prominently located site is approached by a ceremonial ramp that leads visitors to an entry courtyard flanked by four 60-meter-high light towers. The towers, which echo local minaret designs, are visible landmarks from afar both day and night when they are lit from within. The atrium recalls many of the large prayer halls in local mosques yet maintains a distinctively public appearance with a large multi-story glass wall enclosure and translucent glass bridges spanning the south end of the space.