The primary goal of a museum is to preserve and showcase history and artefacts while educating visitors. But many of them are designed in such a way that they can simultaneously offer a unique and enjoyable experience for those who drop by.

In conjunction with International Museum Day today, FMT Lifestyle has compiled five unique museums in Malaysia that will guarantee a memorable visit. How many of these have you been to?

1. Teddyville Museum, Penang

Looking to embrace your inner child? As its name suggests, this museum in Batu Ferringhi contains hundreds of teddy bears that will allow you to do just that!

History buffs and soft-toy lovers alike will have a wonderful time admiring teddies from over 100 years ago, with descriptions of their past and how they grew in popularity.

Learn about Penang’s rich culture, history and heritage as told through the eyes of these ursine inhabitants, with popular sites such as Kek Lok Si Temple, Fort Cornwallis and Penang Hill on display.

Also not to be missed are the teddy bears dressed like Malaysian personalities, such as P Ramlee, Lee Chong Wei and Nicol David! Rawr.

For location, click here.

2. Museum of Illusions, Kuala Lumpur

This museum in the city centre features multiple illusion-based exhibits, as well as individual rooms that will challenge and excite your sight, logic and perception.

With exhibits based on science, mathematics, psychology and art, the Museum of Illusions is a fun and interactive way of learning. The highlight is its Vortex Tunnel, which gives you the illusion of moving forward despite standing still!

Before you leave, don’t forget to take photos to share with (and confuse) your friends and family members who didn’t tag along.

For location, click here.

3. Prison Museum, Melaka

Housed in a former prison called Penjara Bandar Hilir is this fascinating, albeit potentially perturbing, museum.

The narrow rooms inside once served as prison cells: the high ceilings, heavy metal doors, and small window might evoke a sense of claustrophobia for some.

Visitors can also learn about the prison’s history (fun fact: it’s the second-oldest in Malaysia after Penjara Pulau Pinang) and explore areas the inmates used to frequent, such as the courtyard, canteen, prayer rooms, and visitor phone booths.

Given the eeriness of these premises, it might be best to leave your children at home for this one.

For location, click here.

4. Maritime Museum, Melaka

Here’s one that might make new visitors do a double take: the Maritime Museum is housed in a full-size replica of the Flora de la Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Melaka in the 16th century.

Also known as Muzium Samudera, this ship is home to numerous exhibits, artefacts and documents from olden-day Melaka, when it served as a significant trading centre during the reign of the Melaka sultanate.

Feast your eyes on various model boats and fishing ships, and be transported back in time to Melaka’s busy trading ports with the highly detailed dioramas on display.

For location, click here.

5. Glass Museum, Penang

Ever wanted to try creating your own glassware? Penang’s Glass Museum offers visitors the chance to observe glass-making and -decorating techniques, and even make your own glass product to take home!

Here, you can find many interactive displays such as ultraviolet-lit glass-art panels, kaleidoscopic mirrors, and coloured glass floor panels, all of which are definitely Insta-worthy.

Unique souvenirs such as glass jewellery, decorative signage, customised wine bottles and wine glasses can also be purchased as gifts.

Plus, don’t forget to check out the longest batik-motif glass painting on display – certified by the Malaysia Book of Records!

For location, click here.