The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is a great place to learn about the beginnings of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia’s capital as well as its present all in one go, especially if pressed for time to visit the city’s individual attractions. In the middle of the historic enclave of Dataran Merdeka, between the History Museum and the City Library, the gallery is housed in a hundred year old neo renaissance building. With its exterior of exposed brick, white painted columns and arched windows of an earlier era, it blends in with the other historic structures in the area. The Gallery is run by ARCH, a producer of collectibles and gifts made from veneered wood and the publisher of the KL Walks and Tours Map. The City Gallery promotes their products and showcases as well as provides information on the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur. The eye catching red I Love KL sculpture at the building’s entrance is a favourite photo spot.
Its exhibits displayed on two floors tell the story of the city. At the entrance to the ground floor a large city map with laser pointers help visitors to identify city locations. A history section which is based on news items titled Memories of KL offers photos, write-ups, maps, newspaper clippings, articles on the founding of Kuala Lumpur as a tin mining town and its growth into the centre of British administration and as Malaysia’s capital. The ground floor also has the ARCH workshop and gift shop. A DIY section in the workshop allows visitors to try their hand at making their own gift or souvenir. The first floor named the J Russell Floor houses the main exhibit titled Discover the City which is a riveting 40′ X 50′ scale model of Greater Kuala Lumpur showing historic buildings, parks, skyscrapers and even proposed projects such as the 100 storey tower at Merdeka Stadium. The model which is a work in progress provides day time and night time views of the city complete with lit up roads and buildings. There is also a beautiful model of the historic area where the gallery is located. The gallery offers free tours of the surrounding historic area three days a week.
In an excellent location in the heart of the retail belt and entertainment district, the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur offers easy access to landmark buildings, shopping centres, night markets, restaurants and bars. This hotel in Bukit Bintang while being close to the most happening places in the city offers well appointed, spacious contemporary guest rooms and suites that cater to the comfort of its guests. Stay at this smart Kuala Lumpur hotel to enjoy its many up to date facilities and amenities and to experience the city’s exciting vibe.
