An Introduction to the Heritage Buildings of Kuala Lumpur takes you on a journey through the city’s rich architectural heritage, uncovering 30 remarkable examples of historic landmarks, colonial structures and cultural monuments that narrate the story of the city’s past.
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The cityscape of Kuala Lumpur has evolved rapidly since its founding as a tin-mining town in 1857. From its humble beginnings as a bustling settlement, Kuala Lumpur has transformed into a vibrant metropolis that blends old-world charm with modern sophistication.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and curious travellers alike, this book invites you to explore the heritage buildings which define the city’s identity and foster a deeper appreciation for the people who shaped Kuala Lumpur.
Preface
Introduction
Map of the Heritage Buildings in Kuala Lumpur
- Government Offices (Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad)
- Former General Post Office
- Former High Court of Kuala Lumpur
- Former Municipal Office and Town Hall (Panggung Bandaraya)
- Former Federated Malay States Survey Office (Sessions and Magistrates Courts)
- Former Federated Malay States Railways Central Offices (National Textile Museum)
- Former Government Printing Office (Kuala Lumpur City Gallery)
- Former Chartered Bank Building
- Royal Selangor Club
- St Mary’s Cathedral
- Loke Chow Kit Mansion (Rumah Tangsi)
- Anglo-Oriental Building (Wisma Ekran)
- Jamek Mosque
- Chow Kit & Co Department Store (Industrial Court of Malaysia)
- Oriental Building
- Central Market
- Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
- Lee Rubber Building
- Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
- Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
- Former Malayan Railways Administration Building (Bangunan KTMB)
- Majestic Hotel (Hotel Majestic)
- Former OCBC Building
- Victoria Institution
- Former Telephone Exchange Building (Telekom Museum)
- St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
- St John’s Institution
- Coliseum Theatre
- Loke Mansion
- Carcosa Seri Negara
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Further Reading
Picture Credits
About the Author
Index
George T Gray studied Interior Design in Glasgow, Scotland. He was awarded a travelling scholarship to Italy by the British Institute of Interior Design which gained him the Freedom of the City of London. He has worked as a design consultant worldwide for over 30 years and as a volunteer with the Thai government’s Fine Arts Department where he helped restore ancient monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya. George now teaches History of Art, Architecture and Design and lives in Malaysia with his wife and daughters. He is an Affiliate of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, the British Institute of Interior Design and a member of the Malaysian branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.
Awards
National Book Award - 2025 (Anugerah Buku Negara ABN)
National Book Development Foundation
Best Photography/Visual Arts Book
Basic Information
- 978-629-7646-23-7 (Paperback)
- 978-629-7646-24-4 (E-book)
