Built in 1898 to serve as the colonial government’s printing office, the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery building is a classic piece of Indo-Saracenic architecture that stands in comparison with Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Jamek Mosque. After admiring the exterior, and perhaps taking a selfie with the “I LOVE KL” sign, enjoy dioramas, photos, and displays about old Kuala Lumpur, then discover the spectacular model of the modern city, built at a cost of over 5 million Malaysian ringgit and home to more than 5,000 buildings. It’s easy to swing by independently, but the gallery is also a common stop on Kuala Lumpur city tours.
The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is located on Merdeka Square in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur. It’s under a 10-minute walk from Masjid Jamek LRT (Ampang and Kelana Jaya lines) and about a 15-minute stroll from Chinatown for those exploring on foot.
The City Gallery is open from morning until early evening, every day of the week. The gallery is rarely busy but the sign can get crowds. Early evening midweek is usually a good time for a selfie, with both building and sign lit up.
Kuala Lumpur offers museums to suit most tastes. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia has a world-class collection of Muslim arts and crafts, while Petrosains the Discovery Centre is a hands-on interactive science museum beloved of families around the world. The National Museum delivers the perfect introduction to Malaysia’s long history and rich culture.