MELAKA, Aug 25 — Supernatural figures that have long existed only in folklore and myths are now “brought to life” as three-dimensional sculptures at the Melaka Ghost Museum, giving these legendary characters a physical presence in the real world.
The three-storey museum at Jalan Kampung Hulu here showcases more than 40 types of ghosts, including popular ones such as the langsuir, pontianak and penanggal, as well as entities from various countries.
Ghost Museum general manager Muhammad Fitri Abdullah said the figures were created based on information gathered from various sources, including stories and accounts from individuals who had seen or were familiar with them.
“We looked at folklore, myths, legends, culture and traditional depictions associated with each entity. We also referred to visual materials, community stories and available historical sources.
“We then determined the character and identity of each ghost, including its appearance, clothing, facial expression, body shape and other elements synonymous with the original story. Only then did we begin the process of creating the sculptures (displayed at the museum),” he told Bernama recently during the Melaka Surreal Durian Experience 2026 programme, organised by Tourism Malaysia Southern Region.
Muhammad Fitri said each sculpture was created not merely to frighten visitors but also to help them understand the stories and cultural background behind the characters.
“That’s what makes our sculptures a combination of art, folklore, culture and horror elements, not just ghostly figures,” he said, adding that it took nearly three years for them to research into the origins of the supernatural entities and compile testimonies from various sources.
He said the selection of entities of other countries also took into account visitors’ cultural backgrounds as certain stories may have a stronger impact on those who share a cultural connection with them.
On the production process, Muhammad Fitri said the time required to complete each sculpture depended on its size and the level of detail involved in its texture, facial features and clothing.
He said most of the sculptures were created through traditional handcrafting skills, either by his team or in collaboration with artists and sculptors involved in the project.
The museum, which has been operating for seven years, also carries out improvements and modifications from time to time to ensure the sculptures remain in good condition.
He added that the Ghost Museum concept differs from that of a ‘haunted house’ as it places greater emphasis on knowledge rather than jump scares.
“With a haunted house, visitors expect jump scares and people trying to frighten them. A museum, on the other hand, is more about knowledge, that is, where these entities come from and their origins,” he said.
He said visitors can also experience what it is like to look like a ghostly character by wearing costumes provided by the museum, making their visit a more interactive experience. — Bernama
