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.

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).

The Istana Negara grounds are spread out over 28-acres – within the compound is a beautiful garden, swimming pool, six-hole golf course, lake, an indoor badminton court and tennis courts. For safety purposes, there is a guard house for members of the Royal Malay Regiment and at the main entrance, similar to Buckingham Palace, are two guard posts on each side of the arch with members of the cavalry in full dress uniform.

Istana Negara is bordered by a wall with the Malaysian coat of arms, featuring the Royal Insignia of His Majesty, placed on the steel bars between each fenced pillar. The cypress and casuarina-lined driveway leads to two entrances – the East Wing and West Wing.

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.