Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Museum is located in the Istana Besar or Grand Palace. In 1864, the museum was specially commissioned by the Father of Modern Johor, His Royal Highness, Sultan Abu Bakar and became an architectual wonder when it completed in 1866.

The Grand Palace was built incorporated some of the Sultan’s creative ideas in its architecture. It is built in the Renaissance style, built in the Renaissance style, built by local artisans under the supervision of Europe architect.

In the early 1990, Johor’s present ruler, His Majesty Sultan Iskandar decides that the public should be given the opportunity to view the Royal Family’s collection in a proper museum setting. His Majesty consented that Grand Palace to be converted into a museum however still serves functions for the traditional royal and state ceremonial activities.