Istana Seri Menanti

The Istana Lama (Negeri Sembilan Malay: Istano Lamo, Jawi: ايستان لاما) is regarded as the icon of Seri Menanti and one of the famous landmarks in Kuala Pilah District.

The design has subtle hints of Minangkabau architecture, has five levels rising to a height of sixty seven feet or approximately twenty meters high and has ninety nine columns to support the main structure.

Four of the main columns of sixty seven feet are the Chengal timber that came from Bukit Pergai, Jelebu and is the central feature of the structure which holds up the apex of the palace, namely the Treasury Room.

The drawings and plans for Istana Lama was detailed by Mr. Woodford (Public Works Department) based on the designs provided by two local craftsmen, Kahar and Taib.

The Istana Lama has been designated as a national heritage site and was converted into a Royal Museum on 14 July 1992, with the consent of and officiated by Tuanku Ja'afar, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar at the time.