May 2026 - UR:MU Bukit Bintang
Ur Mu – 20th May 2026
Ur Mu, short for Urban Museum, is the private collection of Dr Tan Loke Mun. Dr Tan has assembled an eclectic collection of mainly contemporary Southeast Asian art over many years, and decided to share his passion with the public by opening Ur-Mu in Bukit Bintang in 2022.
Fifteen MCG art enthusiasts attended a visually stimulating morning that challenged both our understanding and perceptions of contemporary art. The collection is displayed over five floors, with the fifth and top floor dedicated to a sculpture garden.
Dr Tan has been deeply involved in curating the museum, with each floor thoughtfully named to reflect the works exhibited within it.
1st Floor – Sens – Asia People
My personal favourite on this floor was Hong Kong artist Wing Shya’s photographic work Feast, set in Hong Kong. The piece was atmospheric, evocative, and richly cinematic.
2nd Floor – Kampung Kita & Power Play
Samsudin Wahab’s four works depicting padi farmers as Ghost Busters were both whimsical and thought-provoking at the same time. Yusof Ghani’s black-and-white circular work hinted at prevailing political dynamics, while Phuong Thai Meng’s Action 2 – Stoop, portraying a school teacher in black and white, conveyed a particularly powerful message.
3rd Floor – Raksasa (Monster) Superheroes
The star of this floor was undoubtedly Tan Zi Hao’s larger-than-life skeleton of Makara, aptly described as “The myth of a myth.” Constructed from clay, steel, and wood, it is an impressive work that allows the imagination to soar into whatever mythology one chooses to envision.
Equally intriguing was Edroger Rosili’s Penangkapan Tok Petai, with its imaginative amalgamation of a Japanese-inspired creature and the quintessentially Malaysian petai.
4th Floor – Framing Modernity Structure
Dr Tan’s father also had two small works displayed here — drawings of the Transport Museum at Princess Gate, Australia. Another standout for me was Ahmad Zaki Awa’s striking bull that framed the entire wall, a layered and deeply textured charcoal work.
There was also a life-sized tiger created by Ronnie Wood lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones Band for WWF – Save the Tiger campaign in 2021.
5th Floor – Made’s Garden Sculpture Lounge
The larger-than-life Wing It by Abdul Muthalib Musa, positioned dramatically outside the window, anchors the building beautifully — symbolically allowing our imaginations to take flight once inside.
We were also fortunate to have a sneak peek into the museum’s new adjacent space, which officially opens on 1st June. Several fascinating works are already installed there, with Man Attack being the one that immediately captures attention. I will not give away too much — you will have to visit to experience it for yourself.
A big thank you to Christina and Shaun from the Events Planning team for organising our visit, and to the Ur Mu team especially Iliyani and Qaisarah for hosting and guiding us so thoughtfully through the collection.
Nisha Dobberstein
