Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad in KL
Kuala Lumpur is blessed with a buffet of architectural marvels, and one that is impossible to miss is Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad (BSAS). The colonial-era building stands out with its Moorish windows and 41m-tall clock tower. It’s also located just across the iconic Dataran Merdeka.
While it’s best known as a backdrop for important events like the Merdeka Day parade, the landmark has reopened its doors to the public after a year of extensive refurbishment works.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Table of Contents
The history of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad has not only stood the test of time, but it remains a living symbol of Malaysia’s past.
Image adapted from: Malaysia Traveller, @random.x.shots via Instagram
The building was designed in the late 19th century by A. C. Norman, the same British architect behind other iconic landmarks in KL, including the Royal Selangor Club and Pudu Prison.
In 1897, the landmark’s construction was completed, and it went on to function as government offices. Fast forward to 1974, and it received its name – Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad – in honour of Sultan Abdul Samad, who was the ruler of Selangor at the time.
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Today, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad holds deep emotional significance for locals, as it overlooks the site where history was made on 31st August 1957, when the Union Jack was lowered and replaced by the Malaysian flag, marking the dawn of the country’s independence.
Image credit: @azuladnan via Instagram
With its gleaming copper domes and soaring clock tower, the building’s elegant Indo-Saracenic facade remains one of the most photographed and beloved cityscapes in KL, continuing to capture the imagination of generations past and present.
The reopening of a historical landmark
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Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad was closed in 2024 for major conservation and restoration works. After the completion of the Phase 1 project under the Dana Warisan KL initiative, which saw over 11 months of restoration works, the building was reopened to the public for visits on 2nd February 2026.
Image adapted from: @hxzmi via Instagram
Future phases will see continual restoration in other parts of the wider heritage precinct, with plans for creative and community uses to strengthen further the building’s role in shaping KL’s cultural landscape.
What to do there?
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Besides taking pictures of the building’s stunning exterior and interior, locals and tourists can explore one of the main attractions in the building, the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. It has interactive displays and exhibits that shed light on the history of Malaysia’s capital city and the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad building.
Image adapted from: @hxzmi via Instagram
Visitors can journey through Malaysia’s rich past through eye-catching installations, like a miniature replica of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad building and a scale model of KL and its surroundings.
Image credit: @latteontheweekends via Instagram
There’s also a Royal Selangor Gallery inside the building, where you can view pewter works on display and also purchase them.
Entry to both galleries is free throughout February, so everyone has the perfect excuse to step inside and experience this iconic landmark up close. You can visit the galleries between 9am and 6pm, daily.
Food options at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad
Besides exploring the gallery, you can also check out eateries that are tucked within the heritage building.
Image credit: @latteontheweekends via Instagram
There’s the highlight, Bakehouse by KLCG, the popular bakery-cafe that is now operating from 8am to 8pm inside the building again. Fans of fresh bakes can turn to them for focaccia sandwiches and sweet buns like vanilla cream and cardamom.
Image adapted from: @gulacamca via Instagram
For local comfort food, Gula Camca is a must-visit. This cafe, operated by the founders behind Tutti Frutti, celebrates Malaysian favourites like lempeng kelapa and steamed cassava served with sambal tumis bilis, making it the spot to be in the building for nostalgic local flavours.
Image adapted from: @latteontheweekends via Instagram
Coffee lovers and casual snack seekers will enjoy Kaw Kaw Malaya, which serves refreshing beverages and light bites, as well as The Cafe by Royal Selangor, where visitors can soak in the building’s historic atmosphere while refuelling with coffee drinks.
Finally, Courthouse Cafe rounds out the food options with an inviting space for coffee, pastries, and light meals.
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad reopens with galleries & eateries in KL
Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply love snapping photos of iconic architecture, a visit to this architectural gem is well worth your time. Not only will you get to embark on a meaningful journey through history, but you will also have the chance to appreciate the enduring beauty of Malaysia’s rich heritage.
Cover image adapted from: @gulacamca, @random.x.shots, @hxzmi via Instagram