Istana Negara, Jalan Istana

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The Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja) on Jalan Istana in Kuala Lumpur is the old Istana Negara, the former National Palace and home to Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) until the new palace opened in 2011. It sits on about 13 acres on a hillside above the Klang River and is now preserved as a royal heritage site.

History in brief: The building began as a two‑storey mansion called The Big House, built in 1928 by local Chinese businessman Chan Wing. During World War II (1942–1945) it housed the Japanese Governor. After the war, British officers used it as a senior officers’ mess. In 1950 the Selangor government rented and renovated it as the Sultan of Selangor’s palace until Malaysia’s independence in 1957. In 1957 the property was sold to the Federal Government and turned into Istana Negara for the newly created position of Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The most extensive upgrading happened in 1980, the year the king’s installation ceremony was held at Istana Negara for the first time.

Move to a new palace and current status: When the new Istana Negara on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim opened in December 2011, the old palace became the Royal Museum in 2013. In 2012 a royal exhibition called Raja Kita was held there. Since 2013, guards in Malay traditional attire have stood at the main gateway to keep the royal heritage alive. Some rooms and halls are opened to visitors to learn about how the palace was used by Malaysia’s past thirteen kings, and an inventory is being prepared to conserve the collections.

What you’ll see: The building features Palladian architecture and is set in a large compound with gardens, a swimming pool, a six‑hole golf course, tennis courts, and a lake. The main entrance has a arch and guard posts. The Balai Rong Seri (throne room) in the East Wing is used for official functions such as royal ceremonies, investitures, and receptions for foreign dignitaries. The Singgahsana throne, decorated with hibiscus motifs and Quran inscriptions, symbolizes the nation’s sovereignty. The second floor houses the Dewan Mengadap (reception hall) and various rooms for audiences and government officials. The West Wing contains rooms used for meetings of the Conference of Rulers and other official parlour functions. The old Istana Negara remains a visible symbol of Malaysia’s royal past, with limited public access and guards at the gateway.