The Royal Regalia Museum of Brunei

Shannon
Sep 25
3 min read

Treasured Heirlooms of the Sultanate

Tucked in heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, the Royal Regalia Exhibition Hall is more than just a museum, it’s a monument to Brunei’s gilded self-image. But its story begins with an unlikely figure, Sir Winston Churchill. When the original structure opened in 1971, it honoured the British wartime leader, admired deeply by then-Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, who saw in Churchill a model of statesmanship and resilience.

A circular building with a patterned dome under a blue sky. Ornate street lamp and manicured shrubs in the foreground.

But time has a way of reshaping spaces. By 1992, the building had shed its British homage and emerged reimagined, draped in gold and prestige, to mark the Silver Jubilee of Omar Ali Saifuddien’s son, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who by then had ruled Brunei for 25 years as its 29th monarch. The Royal Regalia Hall became a temple of sovereignty, constructed not just to display history but to declare it.

Gold shields, adorned with red and black tassels, stand on display in a polished, gray marble interior with reflective flooring.

The exhibit offers a chronological journey through the life of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, capturing both the personal and the ceremonial. Intimate family photographs, rare film footage and artefacts from key milestones offer a humanizing glimpse into the man behind the monarchy. Alongside this, the museum traces the royal family’s lineage all the way back to the 14th century, grounding Brunei’s modern monarchy in centuries of tradition.

Visitors can explore an impressive array of royal regalia, ceremonial weaponry and armor, sparkling crown jewels, and intricately detailed Islamic art. Lavish gifts from international heads of state line the halls, reflecting the Sultan’s global stature. The Constitutional Gallery presents pivotal documents and treaties that shaped the nation, while other halls display life-sized, gilded carriages, opulent thrones and a remarkable collection of Qurans, all reinforcing the fusion of faith, royalty and statecraft at the heart of Bruneian identity.

Ornate gold embalming stand inside a grand hall with red flags and shields. Reflective black floor and red carpet enhance opulence.

The Royal Regalia Exhibition Hall isn’t just about looking back, it’s about reinforcing the timelessness of Brunei’s royal order, where tradition and modern statehood walk hand in hand, cloaked in silk and shielded by oil wealth.

In December 2017, the building was officially renamed the Royal Regalia Museum to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s ascension to the throne. The renaming marked 50 years of his rule and reinforced the museum’s role as both a tribute to the Sultan’s enduring leadership and a monument to Brunei’s monarchical legacy. More than a simple name change, it reflected the deepening connection between the institution and the national identity shaped under his reign.

Ornate golden carriage indoors with red flags in the background. Curved ceiling and reflective floor enhance opulence.

🗺️ Location

Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

🚆 How to get there

The museum lies within walking distance of the city centre. Stroll along the waterfront from the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Royal Regalia Museum is about 20 minutes away on foot. Buses are available (for around $1.00) but they’re a bit confusing and not reliable. It’s quicker to walk. If you’ve organised a day tour, a stop at the museum will most likely be included in the itinerary.

⭐ Attraction Info

The Royal Regalia Museum is open Saturday to Thursday between 9am - 5pm and on Sundays between 8:30am - 4:30pm. It is closed on Fridays. Entrance to the museum is 5BND for adults and 2BND for children. All belongings, including cameras and shoes, must be left in the free lockers located in the lobby (keys are provided). Photography is strictly prohibited with the exception of the main foyer.