Kuala Lumpur is the center of film and performing arts in Malaysia. The city offers a plethora of venues catering to modern and traditional dance, music, film and more. Visitors can choose from heaps of live performances that showcase the vibrant culture of Malaysia including those from various regions of the country. The theatres are found in all four corners of the city, with some of the largest located in the central district.
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
Located in Sentul Park, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre is a non-profit venue designed to cultivate and sustain the performing arts of Malaysians. Established in 2004, it is home to the KLPac Orchestra, formerly known as the KLPac Sinfonietta. The fully integrated center includes 7,614 square meters of space including a 504-seat theatre, a 192 modular seat theatre, a small Indicine with 100 movable seats and an academy divided into 9 studios for rehearsals and training. The venue plays host to a variety of internationally renowned performances each year including the HSBC Classics music festival, French Art Festival, and the Malaysia Dance Festival to name a few.
Address: Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, Off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51100, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6018 – 227 7212
Operating Hours:
– Based on show timings
Admission Cost:
– Based on shows
Website
Panggung Bandaraya
This historical venue was constructed in 1896 and opened in 1904. Also known as the DBKL City Theatre, it is located in Merdeka Square. The original building was the Old City Hall of Kuala Lumpur, designed in colonial architectural style. The venue was built for the purpose of staging various plays and musicals. While a fire in 1992 destroyed much of the interior, what was restored continues to show off its Moorish façade. It comfortably seats more than 250 people and regularly hosts local and international plays, musicals and other theatrical displays.
Address: Jalan Raja, 50050, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2617 6289
Operating Hours:
– Based on show timings
Admission Cost:
– Based on shows
Website
Istana Budaya
Also referred to as the Palace of Culture, the Istana Budaya operates as a performing art venue with films, musical theatre, operetta, classical concerts and more. It is located next to the National Art Gallery in the Kuala Lumpur city center. Opened in 1999, the theatre seats 1,408 people and covers a whopping 21,000 meters and more in floor area. The building’s makeup is a nod towards the traditional style of Malay housing. It is often rated amongst the most sophisticated theatres in the world, akin to the Royal Albert Hall in London. Visitors can enjoy both international performances and regular shows by local musical production group, Puteri Gunung Ledang.
Address: Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni & Budaya Malaysia, Jalan Tun Razak, 50694, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 4026 5555
Operating Hours:
– Based on show timings
Admission Cost:
– Based on shows
Website
