Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur

If you love theatre and enjoy an evening filled with drama, music and dance, then the Istana Budaya is the place for you. Home to the National Theatre Company and the National Symphony Orchestra, the Istana Budaya, is the cultural hub of Kuala Lumpur.

After over 30 years of contemplating over the cultural center for the city, the Istana Budaya finally took form in 1999. Although it took far longer than anticipated, the result was surely worth the wait. Istana Budaya, which literally translates to the Palace of Culture, is no less than any palace!

Designed by local architect, Muhammad Kamar Ya'akub; the building, its innovative structure, fantastic interiors and state of the art stage and theatre has won accolades from all over the world. In fact, the Istana Budaya is regarded as the first theatre building in Asia that has been given so much thought and has raised the bar for building theatres to an altogether new level. Compared to the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Istana Budaya is definitely a symbol of pride in Kuala Lumpur.

The Istana Budaya has a distinct shape of the “sirih junjung” the traditional arrangement of betel leaves used during ceremonies, which makes it conspicuous in the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. With interiors reflecting different shades of the Malay culture, the building is definitely worth the visit.