Sultan Abdul Samad Building

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built in 1894. It was completed in 1897 by AC Norman. It’s location is in front of Merdeka Square and the Royal Selangor Club. It used to house several government agencies during the British occupation in Malaya. The tradition is continued by the Malaysian government until the relocation to Putrajaya. However, the building still houses the offices of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia.

The building was constructed entirely out of brick. It’s onion like dome is made of copper. It features western and Moorish-style influences with it’s imposing porch, various typo of arches to improve ventilation, two spiral staircases at both ends and a beautiful (41 m) tall clock tower.

There is no entrance fee for the building. However, since the building is housing the ministry offices, some areas are limited for the visitor. Nevertheless, the outside of the building is interesting enough for the visitors to photograph.

It serves as the backdrop for important events such as the National Day Parade on 31 August and the celebration of the New Year. During the those events, the building is decorated with colorful LED lights and Malaysian Flags.

The building can be reached by using public transportation. The nearest one is Masjid Jamek LRT Station.

Image by: Bernard Spragg

Admission

No entrance fee.

Location

Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

View on map.

Hear From Others

With over a century of history, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building has been a part of Kuala Lumpur since the city was just a miner and trader settlement. Today, it is one of the capital city’s most treasured heritage buildings.

Sarah Anne Lee
TheCultureTrip

This building, named as the Sultan Abdul Samad building, in honour of the 4th Sultan of the state of Selangor, Almarhum Sultan Sir Abdul Samad, who was also the reigning sultan when the construction finished, is indeed a beautiful building and a sight to behold if one visits the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

Khairul Idzwan Kamarudzaman
TheDailyRoar

The majestic building, built between 1894 and 1897, was the best known landmark of Malaysia until the Petronas Twin Towers were built and still today is one of the most photographed buildings in Malaysia.
Zain Abdullah
MyHeritageBuildings

Nearby Attractions

Panggung Bandaraya DBKL

Panggung Bandaraya DBKL is the oldest theatre hall in Malaysia. The building now is gazetted as a heritage building under the Antiquities Act.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is an excellent starting point for visitors to learn about the history of KL in an engaging and informative way.

Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square is a square located in front of Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It is known as the square where the independence of Malaya was announced and where the Union Jack flag was taken down for the first time.