The Biomedical Museum IMR, established in 1967, was Malaysia’s first biomedical museum. It was initially part of the Division of Vertebrate Zoology and the Biomedical Museum, headed by Dr. Lim Boo Liat. On June 4, 1983, it was officially launched as the "Biomedical Museum" by YB Tan Sri Chong Hon Nyan, then Minister of Health Malaysia. The museum is housed in a historic 1928 building along Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, which was officially recognized as a Heritage Building on April 14, 1983, under the Antiquities Act 1976.

It preserves over 15,000 specimens of medical importance—particularly small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians collected since 1906. These specimens were used for research on malaria, scrub typhus, cholera, and other tropical diseases, offering a unique glimpse into Malaysia’s scientific and public health history.

The museum features 10 galleries open to the public Monday to Friday. Six galleries focus on IMR’s research, innovation, and development, such as the Historical Gallery, Dr. Wu Lien-Teh Gallery, Traditional Malay Medicine Gallery, Maggot Debridement Therapy Gallery, Medicinal Leech Therapy Gallery, and Stomatology Gallery. The remaining four galleries display animal specimens, notably the Snake Gallery, Bat Gallery, Bird Gallery, and Rare and Endangered Mammals Gallery. The museum regularly welcomes group visits from schools, universities, colleges, and international institutions.

It actively collaborates with national agencies and universities. Specimens are digitised and accessible online via the Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS), enhancing research visibility and serving as a valuable resource for researchers and educators nationwide.