Stepping Into The Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery

Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah

Upon arrival at the Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, the atmosphere changed. This place is beautiful, even from the outside, you can see that it is well kept and taken care of.

I was lucky enough to visit the Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery (or known as Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah) to learn more about the Perak royalty’s histories, the collections available for display as well as the cars (and this is definitely my favourite part) used by the royal family.

History of Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery

The Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery was previously called “Istana Hulu”or “Istana Kota”. It is the first concrete palace built in Perak in 1889 and completed in 1903. “Istana Kota” was owned by Almarhum Sultan Idris Murshidul Azam Shah, the 28th Sultan of Perak from 1887-1916. Later, his son, Sultan Abdul Jalil stayed and in 1918, his grandson, Sultan Yussuff lived here.

By 1954, the Ministry of Education owned “Istana Kota” and turned it into Sekolah Kebangsaan Istana Kota in 1957. In 1970, it became Sekolah Raja Perempuan Muzwin, named after DYMM Raja Perempuan Perak (Princess) Raja Muzwin binti Raja Aliff. Finally, in 1999, the building was proposed to be turned into a gallery. The building was renovated, underwent an upkeep and opened as Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery in 2003.

Architecture of Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery

Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah

Standing within the gallery’s compound, you will experience a kind of uplifting feeling when you see the colorful flowers surrounding the compound and walk along pathways to patios on the side of the building. There is a large fountain in front of the gallery’s entrance, although it was not in operation when I was there.

The architecture of the building is unique. The roof is shaped as “bumbung limas”, made from “nyeri” – which is an interesting, pyramid-like roof structure.

According to the guide, for the initial construction, the building’s materials was sourced from overseas. The roof tiles came from France, walls and flooring tiles are Italian while the woods used for frames and pillars are local “Cengal” and “Meranti” wood.

In those days, trade vessels that passed through the Perak River was used to ship those materials for construction while elephants were used to transport the local materials (wood).

Today though, with additional bricks stored, the building still has it’s natural Malay Sultanate look, but with a touch of modernness.

Royal Family Treasures at the Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery

Being in the gallery is an experience of it’s own, in my opinion. You’ll get to see beautiful artifacts, costumes, daggers, learn about the history of the royal family, see personal collections from the Royal family and so much more.

Some of the items on display at the Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery are replicas, like some of the swords and keris (elaborate assymmetric daggers). The famous “Keris Tamingsari” for example, is a national treasure and is kept in the National Museum instead of at Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery.

There is a section of clothes and robes, mainly used during University graduation ceremony where Sultan Azlan Shah acts as the patron of the University. There are many photos and descriptions under them, head wear, hairpin, collection of personal watches of various brands and types as well as a very fancy baby cradle. Not forgetting to mention, a 1.37 meter fungus that was a state gift to the Royal family. What is the fungus for? Not for eating, that’s for sure!

Then, there are the cars. The Royal family has a large collection of cars but the ones for display are the old models of Rolls Royce and other luxury vehicles. There’s also a section in the car museum n transportation used in the olden days, including a transport used to carry “Jenazah” (deceased body) to the grave.

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Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery
Jalan Istana, Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Open from: 10am – 5pm (Sat – Thu), 10am – 12pm & 2.45pm – 5pm (Fri)
Price per entry: RM4 (Adult), RM2 (Child)

WOW+GTMThis trip was made possible by Gaya Travel Magazine and Tourism Perak in conjunction with World Of Wonders (WOW Perak), Visit Perak Malaysia 2017.

Written by 

LizzaBella is a part-time traveler, amateur photographer and videographer and writer. Connect with LizzaBella through her social medias today!

21 thoughts on “Stepping Into The Royal Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery

  1. Owh… I really need to explore Perak state though is my hometown. Really need to have a visit here as can give me royalty knowledge. ^.^

  2. This looks so majestic and regal like it should… and Sultan Azlan Shah was one of my favourite sultans to look at because he seemed more approachable and warm, ever ready with a smile compared to the others.. who are seem so much more aloof …and I felt sad when he passed on… will check out this place if am ever around the area…

  3. The architecture is so beautiful there! So picture worthy!

  4. Always balik kampung to Perak but never have the intention of exploring the historical sites. Thanks for the information about the palace. Would love to visit it soon.

  5. So beautiful! I’m from Perak state but never really got the chance to explore these.

  6. Another new thing to discover in Perak! This is really a nice gallery.

  7. oo woww.. love the arhitecture.. i love old buildings!

  8. Great that we could visit the gallery to know the items at the palace. Price affordable and can bring my children there.

  9. Loving all the architecture design! Even tho my kampung at Perak, but i have never visit lol

  10. Yoke Ching Mah says:

    It was really worth for visit, everything looks so beautiful and meaningful.

  11. Stunning architecture. Your post gave me a nice virtual tour of this place.

  12. Two things that really stood out for me were the cars and watches. I’d love to have more time scrutinising them. If only I could afford them myself!

  13. I love the architecture and the colour scheme! History not so much my thing LOL

  14. the museum seems quite nice to explore. my Perak friends used to brag to me how proud they are with their sultan. would love pay a visit.

  15. Such a historical place to visit. I have not really toured Perak but I do love the architecture

  16. good to know got this place from here. I can let my friends know of this place so they can go visit.

  17. This is so beautiful~~~~ Thanks for sharing! I will pay a visit her if I go Kuala Kangsar~

  18. hey this is a kind of place i want to visit and bring my kids to learn about it as well, architecture is amazing

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