The museum is also a research centre which specialises on Kedah's cultural history. Before the present premises were built in 1936, parts of the museum's collection were on display at the Balai Besar. The museum was officially opened on 3 February 1957. Pusat Sains Negara Cawangan Wilayah Utara (PSNCWU) - National Science Centre (Northern Region) is located at Gunung Keriang next to the Alor Setar Aquatic Centre and Paddy Museum. It is the first science centre built in northern Malaysia. Muzium Padi - The Muzium Padi is the first paddy museum in Malaysia, and the fourth in the world after Japan, Germany and the Philippines. The museum showcases the rice cultivation process in Malaysia and the tools and equipment used. Murals feature the work of 60 artists from North Korea. Balai Seni Negeri - The Kedah State Art Gallery was set up with the objective of fostering interest in and an appreciation of art in the state. Its collection includes paintings, photographs, musical instruments and handicrafts. Galeria Sultan Abdul Halim - The Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery building originally housed the Alor Setar High Court, before it was moved to Kompleks Mahkamah Alor Setar in Suka Menanti. This building is located at the junction of Jalan Putera, adjacent to the Balai Nobat. Muzium Diraja Kedah - The Kedah Royal Museum had originally been part of the Kota Setar palace. It was rebuilt after attacks by the Bugis (1770) and Siamese (1821). The current concrete building was completed during the reign of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, who once stayed in this palace with his queen. This palace is also known as the "Pelamin Palace" after it was extended to include a pavilion and additional rooms, when Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah arranged marriages for his five children. The grand wedding ceremony lasted for three months in 1904. After 1941, the palace was used as a school and an office for several organisations including the office for the St. John Ambulance and the Scout movements. On 25 July 1983, the palace was declared the Kedah Royal Museum. Menara Alor Setar - Located in the heart of Alor Setar, this tower is a prominent modern landmark that signifies the rapid development in Kedah. It serves as a telecommunications tower and tourist attraction, offering a panoramic view of the city and surroundings. Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir - The birthplace of Tun Dr Mahathir,