Yayasan Restu

### Introduction / Overview

For locals in Selangor seeking to connect with the rich tapestry of Islamic heritage and arts, Yayasan Restu offers an unparalleled experience. While often referred to as a "museum," it is, in fact, a non-profit organization established in 1988, dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and revival of Islamic arts and culture. Yayasan Restu manages the impressive Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex in Shah Alam, a purpose-built complex inaugurated in the 1990s to strengthen the field of Islamic arts in Malaysia.

This comprehensive complex is more than just a gallery; it is a spiritual sanctuary and a vibrant hub for learning. It proudly houses three permanent museum galleries that are open to the public, showcasing exquisite collections of Quranic manuscripts, stunning Islamic calligraphy, and diverse exhibits on Islamic architecture, design, and paintings. Yayasan Restu holds the significant distinction of being the first foundation in Malaysia to produce fully handwritten and illuminated manuscripts of the Holy Quran, a testament to their dedication to traditional artistry and scholarship. Visitors, as echoed in local reviews, often express a strong sense of engagement, noting "so many info about Islam" and feeling "a lot of activities going on here," highlighting its dynamic and educational environment. For anyone in Selangor eager to delve deeper into the beauty and depth of Islamic civilization, Yayasan Restu provides an accessible and profoundly enriching journey.

### Location and Accessibility

Yayasan Restu, and by extension the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex, is conveniently located at 2A, Persiaran Damai, Seksyen 10, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. This address places it within the heart of Shah Alam, the capital city of Selangor, making it readily accessible for residents from various parts of the state.

Its strategic position in Seksyen 10 offers good connectivity. For those traveling by private vehicle, the complex is easily reachable via major roads and highways that crisscross Shah Alam. There is ample parking available within the complex, which is a significant convenience for visitors, especially families or those coming in groups. The complex is also notably within walking distance of the iconic Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, a major landmark in Shah Alam. This proximity allows visitors to combine a visit to Yayasan Restu with a tour of one of Selangor's most magnificent architectural wonders.

For those relying on public transportation, various bus routes serve the Shah Alam city center. While there might not be a direct bus stop right at the entrance, many routes will drop off passengers within a reasonable walking distance from the Persiaran Damai area. Additionally, ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available in Shah Alam, providing a convenient door-to-door option for accessing the complex. Its central location ensures that locals from all corners of Selangor, whether from Klang, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, or other districts, can plan a comfortable and hassle-free trip to explore the rich cultural offerings at Yayasan Restu.

### Services Offered

Yayasan Restu, as the managing body of the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex, offers a diverse range of services that extend beyond simple museum exhibits. These services aim to educate, preserve, and promote Islamic arts and knowledge:

• Museum Galleries: The complex features three permanent museum galleries that are open to the public, showcasing:

  • Rehlah Nabawiyah (The Journey of Prophet Muhammad) Exhibition: This uses modern techniques like holograms, virtual technology, and projection mapping to depict key events in the establishment of Islam.

  • Quran Manuscripts and Islamic Calligraphy Exhibits: Displays beautifully inscribed and decorated Quranic texts and calligraphy by Malaysian and international artists.

  • Restu College Student Work Gallery: Showcases works by students of Restu International College's Islamic Arts program, focusing on Islamic architecture, design, sculptures, and paintings.

• Islamic Arts & Crafts Production: Yayasan Restu is actively involved in the hand-copying and illumination of the Holy Quran (Mushaf), being the first foundation in Malaysia to do so. This includes meticulous work on motifs, coloring using traditional and innovative methods (including plant-based pigments), and calligraphy. They produce various Quranic publications and products.

• Calligraphy Centre: A dedicated center with talented calligraphers who not only copy Mushafs but also accept orders for calligraphy on various mediums (paper, ostrich eggs, wood) and provide consultancy and workshops.

• Research and Development Centre: Conducts detailed research on conceptual designing, motif preparation, and coloring strategies for Islamic arts, often collaborating internationally.

• Educational Programs: Home to Restu International College, which offers programs in Islamic Fine Arts & Calligraphy. The complex also hosts religious classes and seminars, making it a center for Islamic education.

• Workshops: Visitors can potentially join various workshops, such as zukhruf (illumination) decoration, Arabic calligraphy, and coloring workshops for children, providing hands-on learning experiences.

• RestuShop: A souvenir shop offering handmade products related to Islamic arts, including notebooks, bookmarks, key chains, calligraphy pens, and greeting cards, allowing visitors to take a piece of Islamic art home.

• Event Spaces: Facilities like seminar halls and possibly other venues are available for rent, suitable for academic gatherings, cultural events, and workshops.

• Ample Parking: Convenient and secure parking facilities are provided for visitors.

These diverse services make Yayasan Restu a dynamic cultural and educational institution rather than just a static museum, offering a truly immersive experience for locals.

### Features / Highlights

Yayasan Restu, through its management of the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex, boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for locals in Selangor:

• Pioneering Quranic Illumination and Production: A standout feature is its unique role as the first foundation in Malaysia to hand-copy and illuminate the Holy Quran. Visitors can witness or learn about this intricate process, making it a profound spiritual and artistic experience. Some of these original Quran manuscripts are valued in the millions.

• Innovative Exhibitions: The "Rehlah Nabawiyah" (The Journey of Prophet Muhammad) exhibition is a major highlight, utilizing cutting-edge technology like holograms, virtual reality, and projection mapping. This modern approach makes the historical narrative of Islam engaging and accessible for all ages, drawing rave reviews from visitors who appreciate the depth of information.

• Rich Collection of Islamic Art: The complex houses over 10,000 objects, including exquisite Quran manuscripts, diverse Islamic calligraphy exhibits, and representations of Islamic architecture, interior design, sculptures, and paintings. This vast collection provides a comprehensive overview of Islamic artistic traditions from various regions, including unique Malaysian and Malay cultural motifs.

• Working Artistic Hub: It's not just a static display; it's a living center where visitors can observe skilled artisans and calligraphers at work. This offers a rare glimpse into the creation process of Islamic art pieces, from research and design to coloring and final production.

• Educational Institution Integration: The presence of Restu International College within the complex, offering diplomas in Islamic Fine Arts & Calligraphy, highlights its commitment to nurturing future generations of Islamic artists and scholars. This academic component adds a scholarly depth to the museum experience.

• Replica of Prophet Muhammad's Residence: A unique highlight for Muslim visitors is the replica of Prophet Muhammad's humble dwelling, based on historical writings. This offers a tangible connection to early Islamic history and allows visitors to appreciate the Prophet's simple lifestyle.

• Community and Learning Focus: Reviews from visitors emphasize the "many info about Islam" and the feeling of "a lot of activities going on here," underscoring the complex's role as an active educational and community engagement center rather than just a quiet museum.

• Strategic Location in Shah Alam: Its proximity to the iconic Blue Mosque and Shah Alam Lake Gardens makes it part of a larger cultural and recreational circuit, allowing visitors to easily explore multiple attractions in one trip.

These features collectively make Yayasan Restu and its Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex a dynamic and enriching cultural beacon in Selangor, offering both deep insight and engaging experiences for all who visit.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Yayasan Restu, as a non-profit organization managing the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex, primarily focuses on cultural preservation, education, and outreach rather than commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. However, its approach offers significant value and accessibility to the public, which can be seen as continuous "offers":

• Free Entry to Museum Galleries: A major and consistent "special offer" for all locals and tourists is that entrance to the three permanent museum galleries within the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex is completely free of charge. This makes rich Islamic heritage and art accessible to everyone, without any financial barrier, encouraging repeated visits and learning.

• Affordable Workshops and Classes: While some specialized workshops (e.g., calligraphy, zukhruf decoration) may have a nominal fee to cover materials and instructor costs, these are typically offered at very affordable rates, making learning about Islamic arts accessible to the community. Locals can gain hands-on experience without a significant financial commitment.

• Community Events and Exhibitions: Yayasan Restu frequently organizes or participates in special events, temporary exhibitions, and cultural festivals (like the Malaysia Islamic Arts & Tourism Souq in the past). While some may have associated costs, many community-focused events or portions of larger festivals are often free or very low cost, providing enriching experiences and exposure to Islamic art and culture. These are usually promoted through their official website or social media channels.

• Educational Resources: The foundation's dedication to research, development, and the production of Quranic texts and academic references serves as a continuous "offer" of valuable educational resources for students, researchers, and the general public interested in Islamic studies.

• RestuShop for Unique Souvenirs: While products in the RestuShop are for purchase, they offer unique, handmade, and culturally significant items related to Islamic arts. These serve as meaningful souvenirs or gifts, often promoting local artistry.

Locals interested in specific workshops, special events, or new exhibitions should regularly check Yayasan Restu's official website and social media channels for the most up-to-date announcements. The inherent "promotion" of Yayasan Restu lies in its continuous provision of free access to a wealth of knowledge and artistic beauty, making it a truly invaluable resource for the Selangor community.

### Contact Information

For individuals in Selangor interested in visiting, learning more about, or engaging with Yayasan Restu and the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex, here are the direct contact details:

Address:
2A, Persiaran Damai,
Seksyen 10,
40100 Shah Alam,
Selangor, Malaysia

Phone:
03-5511 9001

Mobile Phone:
+60 3-5511 9001

Email:
admin@yayasanrestu.com (General Inquiries)
admin@restu-art.com (Alternative Email, also seen for inquiries)

Operating Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed on Mondays.

You can use these contact channels for various purposes:

• General inquiries about the museum galleries and exhibitions.

• Information on ongoing activities, workshops (e.g., calligraphy, colouring), and educational programs.

• Booking visits, especially for school groups or larger tour groups (as per "Tempahan Lawatan" option on their website).

• Inquiries about renting their auditorium or other event spaces ("Tempahan Dewan").

• Questions related to their Quranic publications and products from RestuShop.

• Providing feedback on your visit.

It is always advisable to contact them directly, especially for group visits or to confirm operating hours on public holidays, to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience. Their official website (yayasanrestu.com) is also a valuable resource for detailed information and updates.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Yayasan Restu, embodying the spirit of the Selangor Islamic Arts Garden Complex, is an eminently suitable and enriching destination for locals across Selangor. Its unique blend of cultural preservation, educational outreach, and artistic excellence offers a profound experience that resonates deeply with the community's heritage and intellectual curiosity.

Firstly, the museum's free entry makes it incredibly accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background. This open-door policy ensures that the rich history, intricate art forms, and profound spiritual messages of Islam are readily available for all to explore and appreciate. For families, especially those with children, it offers an invaluable opportunity for educational outings that are both engaging and culturally significant, as highlighted by visitor reviews encouraging parents to "bring your child here now" to learn "so many info about Islam."

Secondly, Yayasan Restu serves as a vital hub for cultural and artistic immersion. It’s not just a place to observe; it’s a living testament to Islamic artistry, where locals can witness the meticulous process of Quranic illumination and calligraphy. The availability of workshops and educational programs means residents can actively participate in learning these traditional crafts, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and potentially discovering new talents.

Furthermore, its innovative and diverse exhibitions, from the technology-driven "Rehlah Nabawiyah" to the vast collection of Quranic manuscripts, provide engaging narratives that appeal to various learning styles and interests. This dynamic approach ensures that each visit can offer new insights, encouraging repeat visits and continuous learning about Islamic civilization and its artistic contributions.

Finally, the complex's strategic location in Shah Alam, combined with ample parking and good accessibility, makes it a convenient and comfortable destination for locals. Its proximity to other Shah Alam landmarks, like the Blue Mosque, allows for a comprehensive day out exploring the city's cultural heart. For Selangor residents, Yayasan Restu is more than a museum; it's a beacon of heritage, a center for learning, and a source of inspiration, making it an essential and cherished cultural asset within their community.

Yayasan Restu

2A, Persiaran Damai, Seksyen 10, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia