Istana Budaya — Attraction in Kuala Lumpur

We booked and selected our seats for The Sound of Music very early on when tickets first went on sale. We specifically chose our seats based on our preference, but 2 weeks before the show they suddenly re-issued us new tickets with seats that were further back. When queried the organiser told us that Istana Budaya decided to take our pre-bought and preselected seats for their own staff. They justified that we were still in the same price category just further back. However we feel this behaviour is highly unprofessional - how can the theatre suddenly take away and change seats that had already been paid and allocated to paying customers. We were extremely disappointed.

Separately, Istana Budaya does not have sufficient toilets and the queues during intermission are horrendously long. Despite selling drinks there they don't allow you to bring in drinks into the theatre unlike West End and Broadway theaters. They also don't have any nice restaurant there to have dinner before a show, and the surrounding areas of the theatre are mainly roadside stalls so not suitable to have pre show dinner if you're all dressed up. Overall not a great experience here if you're used to watching shows in...

The idea of this theatre began with the proposal in 1964 to establish a cultural centre. The construction work began in 1995 and was completed three years later. It was built at a cost of RM210 million with a theatre floor area of 21,000 m² as part of the 54,400 m² cultural complex. The Istana Budaya was officially opened in 1999 by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad. Upon completion, the former national theatre, Panggung Negara was relocated to this new building. Istana Budaya is the home of the Residence Artists (Dance); the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and the Orchestra Traditional Malaysia (OTM).

The Istana Budaya theatre hall Panggung Sari, with its unique design of royal boxes inspired by the windows of the traditional Rumah Melayu or Malay house, can accommodate an audience of up to 1,408 people.

Istana Budaya aims to raise the standards of performing arts, develop artistic excellence in theatre, popularise high-quality theatre productions and develop a higher sense of artistic appreciation.

From September 24 to October 4, 2010, Istana Budaya held Mahathir,...

Istana Budaya, often referred to as the "Palace of Culture," is an absolute treasure for anyone seeking a taste of Malaysia's vibrant arts and culture scene.

🏛️ Architectural Marvel: The majestic architecture of Istana Budaya is a testament to Malaysia's commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural roots. The building itself is a work of art, with intricate designs and cultural symbolism.

🎫 Accessibility: The ticketing and seating arrangements are well-organized, and the staff is helpful in assisting guests. The venue is designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

🌌 A Night to Remember: Attending a performance at Istana Budaya is an experience that stays with you. The combination of stunning visuals, soul-stirring music, and the captivating storytelling is truly enchanting.

In summary, Istana Budaya is a cultural gem that showcases Malaysia's artistic prowess and...