Istana Budaya is Malaysia’s National Theatre. Also known as The Palace of Culture, it towers over the National Art Gallery on Jalan Tun Razak. Built in 1999, it is the country’s main venue for local and international music, dance and drama performances, including operettas, classical concerts and more.
The first theatre in Asia with state-of-the-art stage equipment, Istana Budaya is rated as one of the world’s top 10 most sophisticated theatres, on par with the Royal Albert Hall in London. The RM210 million complex is spread across 54,400sqm and was officially opened by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad.
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Structure of Istana Budaya
Designed by local architect, Muhammad Kamar Ya’akub, Istana Budaya is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most striking structures due to its turquoise-blue tiled roof – the ‘folds’ remind one of a giant origami piece. As in a traditional Malay house, the theatre is divided into three areas: the ‘serambi’ (lobby and foyer), the ‘rumah ibu’ (auditorium) and the ‘rumah dapur’ (stage or rehearsal hall).
The main building takes the shape of the ‘sireh junjung’ – traditional betel leaf arrangements used during Malay weddings and welcoming ceremonies – with the foyer claiming the spot as the theatre’s most intricately designed aspect. Additionally, the main theatre hall (Panggung Sari) which can accommodate up to 1,412 people is a classic opera house with a twist – its royal boxes open up like traditional Malay-style windows.
Architecture of Istana Budaya
Istana Negara is vast and opulent, with plenty of white marble and doors made of high-quality tropical wood with hand-carved flowers and leaf designs. The entrance hall has lush carpeting, with the lobby prominently displaying the cempaka flower and beringin tree. The entrance to the theatre is said to be an imitation of a traditional Malay palace – noticeably the Balairong Seri at the Istana Negara (National Palace).
Performances at Istana Budaya
Frequent performers at the Istana Negara include the National Theatre Company and the National Symphony Orchestra, whose headquarters are located within the complex. On Saturdays from 11:00 – 18:00, there is a free live music and dance performance staged in front of the theatre while outside the front gate, cheap food stalls are set up, allowing for one of the city centre’s most unique weekly cultural events.
Noteworthy international performances that have taken place at the Istana Negara including The Merchant of Venice by the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Merry Widow, Tosca, La Bohème, Turandot, Carmen and many more. One of its most successful local performances was a production of Puteri Gunung Ledang – The Musical, which played to a packed house most nights.
Istana Budaya
- Address: 58 Jalan Kuantan Titiwangsa, 53200 Kuala Lumpur
- Tel: +603 4026 5555
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