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Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, Kuala Kangsar

1. Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery in Kuala Kangsar
1. Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery in Kuala Kangsar

Officiated by HRH (the late) Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah on 9th December, 2003, Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah (Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery) in Kuala Kangsar is housed in the majestic palace, Istana Ulu (also known as Istana Kota) atop Bukit Chandan, just a stone’s throw away from Ubudiah Mosque.

2. gold royal chairs
2. gold royal chairs
3. photo exhibits
3. photo exhibits

This palace was built in 1898 but was only completed in 1903. During the reign of Sultan Azlan Shah, he decided to convert the palace into a gallery that exhibits his life’s journey. The conservation and refurbishment of the palace took two years while curating the exhibits took another six months.

4. three generations of Royals
4. three generations of Royals
5. HRH Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah signs the Federation of Malay States Accord to mark the end of the British colonial rule in the country on 5th August, 1957
5. HRH Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah signs the Federation of Malay States Accord to mark the end of the British colonial rule in the country on 5th August, 1957

Because the gallery was a palace, it has many rooms. Each room features a different theme with accompanying exhibits. Some of these items on display are the real deal while some are replicas or models.

6. one of the corridors within the building
6. one of the corridors within the building
7. Left: The Royal Crown studded with diamonds is part of Perak Regalias for the Queen's official costume / Right: The Royal Aigrette was designed by HRH Sultan Idris Murshidul 'Adzam Shah in 1911. After His demise in 1916, the 'Aigrette' became part of the Royal Regalia.
7. Left: The Royal Crown studded with diamonds is part of Perak Regalias for the Queen’s official costume / Right: The Royal Aigrette was designed by HRH Sultan Idris Murshidul ‘Adzam Shah in 1911. After His demise in 1916, the ‘Aigrette’ became part of the Royal Regalia.

Most of the smaller items are housed in strong rooms in glass cabinets which are smash-proof, fire-proof and bullet-proof. Moreover, the alarm is activated when the gallery is closed for the day until it is reopen to the public in the morning.

8. the 1949 Perak Hockey Team with HRH Sultan Azlan Shah squatting in the middle
8. the 1949 Perak Hockey Team with HRH Sultan Azlan Shah squatting in the middle
9. personal collections of keris (top), watches (bottom left) and Gothica pen worth more than a million Ringgit
9. personal collections of keris (top), watches (bottom left) and Gothica pen worth more than a million Ringgit

Last year alone, the gallery received some 60,000 visitors. The exhibits are labelled in dual languages of Malay and English. For large groups, a guided tour could be arranged. Guides are highly recommended as you can gain more information compared to walking through the maze of corridors alone.

10. collection of crockery sets
10. collection of crockery sets
11. Robe of Lord President (Chief Justice) used from 1982 to 1984
11. Robe of Lord President (Chief Justice) used from 1982 to 1984

By the way, the original palace has been extended, called wings, to house a larger collection of exhibits. One of them is the Galeri Kereta (Vehicle Gallery).

12. The official costume of the King of Malaysia, used by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah during his reign from 1989 - 1994
12. The official costume of the King of Malaysia, used by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah during his reign from 1989 – 1994
13. Bridal costumes and other royal wedding paraphernalia used during the wedding of (then) Raja Nazrin Shah and Zara Salim Davidson in 2007
13. Bridal costumes and other royal wedding paraphernalia used during the wedding of (then) Raja Nazrin Shah and Zara Salim Davidson in 2007

In the pipeline are even more mini galleries with different themes. Because these are pending approval by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah, information cannot be disclosed yet.

14. Galeri Kereta vehicles used by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah, including the late Raja Ashman Shah's beloved red roadster (bottom left) and the carriage used for HRH Sultan Azlan Shah's final journey upon his demise
14. Galeri Kereta vehicles used by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah, including the late Raja Ashman Shah’s beloved red roadster (bottom left) and the carriage used for HRH Sultan Azlan Shah’s final journey upon his demise
15. model of the first ancient bronze seismoscope of the world (earthquake detector) that was invented by the famous Chinese scholar, Zheng Heng, of Henan Province in 132 AD of the Han Dynasty. This model was presented to HRH as a memento on His official visit to China, 6 - 12 September, 1991.
15. model of the first ancient bronze seismoscope of the world (earthquake detector) that was invented by the famous Chinese scholar, Zheng Heng, of Henan Province in 132 AD of the Han Dynasty. This model was presented to HRH as a memento on His official visit to China, 6 – 12 September, 1991.

Visiting hours:
10am – 5pm daily except Fridays (10am – 12.15pm / 2.45pm – 5pm)

Admission fee:
RM4 (adults)
RM2 (senior citizens)
RM2 (secondary school and college students)
RM1 (primary school students)

Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah
Add: Bukit Chandan, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel: +605-777 5362
Fax: +605-777 4957
Web: gsas.perak.gov.my
Email: gsas@perak.gov.my

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With love

7 thoughts on “Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, Kuala Kangsar

  1. I’d definitely love to visit this place someday.. DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah was one of my favourite Sultans who was always smiling and pleasant to see…..

  2. Admission is cheap! We can get to see so many antique and history item from Sultan Azlan as well =D He left alot or precious pieces for us to see!

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