Sarawak’s BCM ranks No. 1 in Museum World Ranking online votes, surpassing Paris’ Louvre with 4,245 votes
THE Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) in Sarawak has achieved a remarkable milestone by claiming the number one position in global online voting on the Museum World Ranking website, surpassing the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris.
Historic Achievement for Malaysian Museum
As of 1.30pm today, BCM secured the top spot with 4,245 votes, edging ahead of France’s renowned Louvre, which currently holds second place with 4,027 votes, according to the latest figures from museumworldranking.net
This achievement represents a significant moment of pride for Malaysia’s largest museum and the second-largest cultural institution in Southeast Asia.
Top 10 Museums by Global Voting
The complete top 10 rankings in the ‘By Voting’ category on Museum World Ranking are:
Borneo Cultures Museum, Malaysia – 4,245 votes
Louvre Museum, France – 4,027 votes
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico – 4,008 votes
National Palace Museum, Chinese Taipei – 3,993 votes
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain – 3,917 votes
Getty Centre, United States – 3,713 votes
Art Institute of Chicago, United States – 3,435 votes
Houston Museum of Natural Science, United States – 3,003 votes
Le Gallerie degli Uffizi, Italy – 2,605 votes
Royal Ontario Museum, Canada – 2,352 votes
Rapid International Recognition
Since opening to the public in March 2022, BCM has rapidly gained international acclaim for its comprehensive showcase of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage. The five-storey museum features interactive and thematic galleries that highlight the state’s diverse cultural tapestry, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Impressive Visitor Numbers
BCM’s popularity extends beyond online recognition. The museum has welcomed visitors from more than 150 countries worldwide since its inauguration. By mid-2025, total visitor numbers exceeded 1.35 million, according to data released by Sarawak’s Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in June.
Malaysia’s Museum Representation
BCM made its debut on the Museum World Ranking this year, initially placing 305th out of 413 museums worldwide, as announced in a Facebook post by the museum on 22 October.
The achievement is particularly noteworthy as BCM is one of only three Malaysian museums featured on the global ranking platform. The other two Malaysian institutions listed are the National Museum and the National Textile Museum, both located in Kuala Lumpur.
Public Support Drives Success
In its October announcement, BCM encouraged continued public support through online voting at https://www.museumworldranking.net/?search=borneo+cultures+museum, demonstrating how community engagement has propelled the museum to its current leading position.
The museum’s rise to the top of the global voting rankings reflects both the quality of its collections and exhibitions, as well as strong support from Malaysians and international visitors who have experienced its world-class facilities and cultural presentations.
This recognition positions Sarawak and Malaysia prominently on the global cultural map, showcasing the region’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich heritage while competing with some of the world’s most established and prestigious museums.
