Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Note: View larger images by clicking on an image once this page has completely loaded. Then navigate by clicking on the right or left side of image.
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…..
Wow! I have never visited a palace before and I am loving the sights of it. Thanks for sharing the experience.
I love visiting such heritage places. They take us back in times.
A good place to acknowledge everyone
Will love to visit this place
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!
Never been to this place. Would love to visit this wonderful place with Fred next local trip. 🙂
This is interesting! I have yet to visit this place.