Fort Margherita

Fort Margherita is a historic 19th-century fort on the north bank of the Sarawak River in Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak. Built in 1879 by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, and named after his wife Margaret, it served as a defensive stronghold. Now housing the Brooke Gallery, it displays artefacts and history of the Brooke dynasty and is a prominent landmark opposite the Kuching Waterfront.

Visitors can expect a restored three-storey hilltop fort with whitewashed walls, crenellations and a central courtyard overlooking the Sarawak River. Inside, the Brooke Gallery presents exhibitions on the Brooke era with artefacts, documents, photographs and interactive displays. The fort offers panoramic views of the Kuching Waterfront, the Astana and the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building. Access is via road and a short walk, with river cruise views from the waterfront.

Built in 1879 by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, as a defensive fort to protect Kuching from river-borne attacks. Named after his wife Margaret Brooke (Ranee Margaret), it was the most important fort in a network of forts built during the Brooke administration (1841-1946) and later served as a police museum before being restored as the Brooke Gallery in 2016.

Symbol of the Brooke era in Sarawak and an important heritage landmark representing colonial military architecture. The Brooke Gallery inside preserves and interprets the history and legacy of the White Rajahs for visitors and local communities.