1) National Art Gallery 2, Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak Tel: (03) 4025-4990 Open: Daily from 10 am – 6 pm www.artgallery.org.my This gallery features permanent and traveling exhibits of Malysian art. The interior is build along the lines of the Guggenheim, with a circular ramp open to all galleries. GPS:N03°10.397’,E101°42.328’
2) National History Museum,
29, Jalan Raja, Merdeka Square
Tel: (03) 2694-4590
Open: Daily, 9 am – 6 pm
www.nationalhistorymuseum.gov.my
This beautiful building was originally a bank, then a Japanese telecommunications center during the occupation. The best part of the museum is upstairs, where exhibits concern the various Sultanates that make up Malaysia past and present. Next door is the charming KL Memorial Library building.
GPS: N03°08.828’,E101°41.620’
3) Royal Malaysia Police Museum 5, Jalan Perdana Tel: (03) 2272-5689 Open: Tuesday through Sunday10 am – 6 pm; Friday 10 am – 12 pm, 3 - 6 pm Here you’ll find artifacts and info on the historical development of the Malaysian police, dating back to Sultanate and Colonial times. GPS: N03°08.429’,E101°41.340’
4) Islamic Arts Museum Jalan Perdana (around the corner from the Royal Police Museum, above) Open: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm Here is a wonderful array of calligraphy, models of mosques, and other artifacts involving the history of Islam in Malaysia.
5) National Museum Located south of Tasik Perdana, Lake Gardens District Open: Daily 9 am – 6 pm Here you’ll find numerous exhibits on Malaysia history, including costumes, the kriss (serpentine dagger), and shadow puppets. Outside is an interesting array of old machinery, including one of the few remaining Penang Funicular railway cars.
Significant Historical Buildings in KL
Masjid Jamek Mosque
Jalan Tun Perak, near the Masjid Jamek Putra LRT station
The picturesque Masjid Jamek Mosque sits at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Built in 1907, its onion domes, minarets, and surrounding palms create a wonderful oasis, a welcome break from the heat of the day.
GPS: N03°08.965’,E101°41.765’
Old KL Train Station Jalan Sultan Hishamudin The Old KL Train Station was built in 1911 and designed by A.B. Hubbock, who created a Moorish fantasy of domes, arches, and wonderful detail. When the new station was built 1 km south, the old station was kept as a commuter station. It’s slowly falling apart, with minimal maintenance, and the Heritage Hotel, which occupies the upper floor, is not much better. This is what the glory of train travel used to be about, and should not be missed.
Directly across the street is its Victorian-Moorish counterpart, the Malaysian Railways Administration building. GPS: N03°08.420’,E101°41.594’
Sultan Abdul Samad Building Jalan Raja Laut, Merdeka Square Designed in 1894 by A.C. Norman, this administration building, a wonderful blend of Victorian and Moorish architecture, is now the Supreme Court. One block south, on the same side of the street, is the wonderful old City Hall, which is designated to become a textile museum. Across the street, on the square, is the National History Museum.
Central Market Jalan Hang Kasturi The wonderful old art deco Central Market was slated to be demolished a few years back, but preservationists saved it, and turned it into a crafts mall. The goods are same-same, but the architecture and design merit a visit. GPS: N03°08.698’,E101°41.719’
Koon Yam Temple Jalan Petaling, near junction of Jalan Stadium Known as the “Green Temple” for its ceramic ornament, this temple, just south of Chinatown proper, is worthy of a visit. GPS: N03°08.409’,E101°41.898’
