The clearing of the proposed site for the Sarawak Museum started in March 1889. The foundation works started later that year. The building was constructed on high ground to make it visible from both directions of the nearby road. It was the first museum in Borneo.

The museum building cost $22,480 and was generally regarded as the finest building in Sarawak. The official opening to the public by Rajah Charles Brooke was on 4th August 1891. 

The exhibition space of this building was expanded to its current design in 1911. This building is also known as the Old Building.