Galeri Aura Islam at Iskandar Puteri

 

Do you know that there is a gallery located at East Ledang, Iskandar Puteri, that celebrates the beauty of Islamic art and heritage of Islamic civilization?

 

Facade of Galeri Aura Islam at the
Anjung Neighbourhood Centre, Iskandar Puteri

This gallery was carefully curated and set up in 2019 but could not welcome any visitors when the global pandemic reached our shores in 2020.

 

Since the reopening of the economy, the gallery started to welcome visitors from near and far, and recently hosted an event with the media to promote Galeri Aura Islam as a cultural tourism destination in Johor.

 

With Visit Johor Year planned for 2026, Managing Director of Galeri Aura Islam, Datuk Haji Anuar Haji Hassan, aims to strengthen partnerships with hotels and the media to attract more visitors to the gallery.

 

Introduction to the gallery by En Lokman

“Galeri Aura Islam is more than just a gallery; it is a space where art and history come together to inspire and educate,” said Datuk Haji Anuar.

 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the media and our esteemed partners to make this cultural gem a must-visit destination,” he added.

 

The gallery is located within the Anjung Neighbourhood Centre and presents more than 300 artifacts that showcase the wealth of the Islamic civilization as a one-of-a-kind destination in Asia.

 

Entrance to the gallery

This destination aims to provide an enriching and educational experience where visitors immerse themselves in the rich history of Islamic civilization and the extraordinary journey of Prophet Mohammad.

 

After a brief introduction by En Lokman, the gallery’s manager, we were invited to join him for our own experience of the gallery.

 

When we approached the entrance, I saw the ticket counter and along the corridor, a group of women were gathered for a guided tour, waiting for entry into the gallery. Then I heard someone say that this group were visiting from Negeri Sembilan.

 

In a chat with Datuk Haji Anuar, I learnt that the artefacts on display were from his private collection, safely stored away over the years until he was ready to share it with others.

 

Visitors at a section of the gallery

Bought from reliable sources and other serious collectors, these artefacts were examined and authenticated by seven professors. The gallery has also been granted authorization by the Mufti Department of Johor to present these artefacts to the public, showcased in such an exhibition.

 

Upon entry, I paused to study the map postered on the wall to understand the locations in the Middle East where these artefacts were from to have a better perspective of the culture and heritage of this exhibition.

 

A collection of old coins used in the
ancient civilization of the Middle East

While the Muslim community, who are familiar with the Quran, and those conversant in Jawi and the Arabic script may better appreciate the exhibits, much effort has gone into preparing labels for each display, provided in Malay and English languages.

 

Throughout our visit, Datuk Haji Anuar mingled with the media, pointing out various interesting exhibits and answering curious questions.

 

Among the relics that caught my attention were the apparatus for processing perfume, ancient instruments used in astronomy, a collection of old coins and a modern typewriter with keys they typed the Arabic script.

 

A modern typewriter with keys that
typed the Arabic script

Our visit to the gallery aptly ended at their souvenir shop that stocked a range of merchandise including T-shirts, collectibles, snacks and drinks.

 

Galeri Aura Islam is located at Lot R19, R19A and R20, Anjung Neighbourhood Centre, Persiaran Ledang Heights, East Ledang, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

 

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.

 

For more info and to arrange group visits, go to the gallery’s website at www.galeriauraislam.com and official Facebook (@GaleriAuroIslam) and Instagram (@galeriauraislam) pages, or Tel: +607 – 5253355.