Inside the Sultan Abdul Samad Building

SultanAbdulSamadBuilding

The stately, copper-domed Sultan Abdul Samad Building on Merdeka Square is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmarks. Although tourists flock to take photos from the outside, the interior has been off-limits for years as it serves as a government department.

This year however, the Ministry of Tourism’s Department of National Heritage has been staging an exhibition in one section of the building, allowing the public to take a sneak peek inside.

Inside the Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Part of the ‘Our Heritage is World Heritage’ exhibition.

The exhibition, called Our Heritage is World Heritage comprises displays featuring Malaysia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely:

  • Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
  • Gunung Mulu National Park
  • Kinabalu Park
  • Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

The exhibition runs daily from 9am to 5pm until 31 December 2015 and is free admission.

The exhibition was not very exciting and I was more interested to see what else they have inside this historic building. Security guards did not allow me to wander about but I was able to take a few pictures.

This interior corridor is in fine condition for an 118 year old building. The marble floor looks recent.
This interior corridor is in fine condition for a 118 year old building. The marble floor looks recent.
Main entrance lobby.
Main entrance lobby and atrium.
From this artist's impression it appears that more space is to be opened up to the public.
From this artist’s impression it appears that more space is to be opened up to the public.
This painting on one of the interior walls shows events in Malaysia's history.
This painting shows events in Malaysia’s history.

While in the vicinity, I also took a look inside the foyer of the neighbouring City Theatre which is housed in the former City Hall, a building designed by AB Hubback and completed in 1896.

Attractive foyer to the City Theatre, also at Merdeka Square in KL
Attractive foyer to the City Theatre, also at Merdeka Square in KL

It is good that the Malaysian and KL Governments are finding ways to breathe new life into these old heritage buildings.

One thought on “Inside the Sultan Abdul Samad Building”

  1. The City Theatre-Panggung Bandaraya building is currently houses MUD Kuala Lumpur, a theater musical about the history of KL city. Played at 3:00 & 8:30 PM everyday, MUD Kuala Lumpur is another masterpiece by Enfiniti (the same production that produced Puteri Gunung Ledang the Musical).

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