The Ranee Museum
About This Museum
People wander into the old courthouse not just for the grand architecture, but to hear the story of Margaret de Windt. She was the first Ranee of Sarawak, and this museum is really her story brought to life. You'll find her personal letters, elegant gowns, and fascinating artifacts that paint a vivid picture of a remarkable woman who shaped local society. Stepping inside feels less like visiting a museum and more like being granted a private look into a family's treasured history.
Collection Highlights
Her spectacular collection of Bidayuh and Iban beadwork is a sight to behold, alongside personal diaries that reveal her thoughts on 19th-century Sarawak. Don't miss the ceremonial cannons out front; they've stood guard here for over a century.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away in Block D of the Old Courthouse on Jalan Barrack, easy to combine with a visit to the other charming spots in that historic complex.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era courthouse, it has those high ceilings, louvred windows, and airy verandahs that perfectly capture Kuching's old-world charm.