Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Dataran Merdeka: Reopened After Restoration
The iconic building at Dataran Merdeka reopened to the public on 2 February 2026 after conservation works, now with interactive galleries on Kuala Lumpur's history and several cafes.
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building (BSAS) at Dataran Merdeka reopened to the public on 2 February 2026 after roughly 11 months of conservation under the Khazanah Heritage Fund programme. Construction of this landmark began in 1894. It was originally the British-era administrative centre known as the Secretariat Building, and later housed the courts.
Inside are several galleries you can walk straight into. Balai Harmoni features a "talking" orangutan on conserving Malaysia's flora and fauna. Balai Pertemuan tells the story of how Kuala Lumpur began, Kamar Hikayat showcases cultural collections from communities across Malaysia, Kamar Koleksi holds photographs of the building and its surroundings, and Balai Gagasan looks at today's Kuala Lumpur and its iconic buildings.
If you get peckish, there are several cafes in the complex. According to Khazanah, they include BakeHouse (by KLCG), The Café (by Royal Selangor), Courthouse Cafe, Kaw Kaw Malaya and Gula Camca. The galleries open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Free entry for the first month (February 2026) has ended. We could not confirm current ticket prices, so check official channels before you go. Khazanah also allocated RM600 million to a wider heritage initiative covering BSAS and its surroundings.
Tips
- Check current ticket prices on official channels, as the February 2026 free-entry period is over.
- Take the LRT or MRT and walk from Masjid Jamek or Merdeka station to avoid parking hassles.
- Allow at least an hour to explore all five galleries.
- Come early or late in the afternoon so Dataran Merdeka is not too hot.
- Address
- Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening hours
- Daily, 9am – 6pm (galleries)