Maimoon Palace, Medan

Maimoon Palace, residence of the Sultan of Deli.


Maimoon Palace is a famous landmark in Medan. It is often written as Istana Maimoon, Istana Maimoen and Istana Maimun, and is located at Jalan Brig. Jend. Katamso, Medan.

Maimoon Palace was built by the Sultan of Deli, Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah, in 1888. The Sultanate of Deli is one of the two sultanates in northern Sumatra in the 19th century, the other being Acheh. The palace was constructed in 1888 and bore elements of Malay as well as Islamic, Spanish, Indian and Italian elements in its design. The palace, which is a two storey structure, has 30 rooms and inclusive the grounds, cover an area of 2772 sq meters. The palace bears elements of the Malay palace, with Mughal pattern and European elements added in. The Balairung Sri, or reception hall, carries elements of Mughal and Malay traditional styles.

I explored Maimoon Palace with a small group of AsiaExplorers members. On the yard outside, I saw laundry being hung out to dry. I do not know whether it belonged to a caretaker or to the descendents of the Sultan, as I read that his descendents still occupy a wing of the palace.

View of the interior of Maimoon Palace


Islamic motif in the decoration of the ceiling and walls of Maimoon Palace.



Another view of the ceiling of Maimoon Palace.


Ornately embellished archway within Maimoon Palace.


The Dais, or Throne Ceremonial Chair, of the Sultan of Deli in Maimoon Palace.

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