Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

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Kuala Lumpur Central Market (2 January 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

The Kuala Lumpur Central Market is an Art Deco-style market building in the inner city of Kuala Lumpur. The year 1888 that appears on the front façade refers to the year when the colonial government relocated the market here from its original site at Market Square. The Art Deco style building that we see today was not built until 1936. It was designed by local architect TY Lee.

Measuring 407 feet (123.7 meters) by 200 feet (60.8 meters) and with a height of 26 feet (7.9 meters), Central Market was at its time of completion the biggest single interior space in Kuala Lumpur. It provided ample room for the vendors in the then crammed Market Square. Its proximity to the Klang Bus Station also allowed city dwellers easy access from various parts of the Klang Valley.

The Central Market served as the main wholesale and retail wet market for Kuala Lumpur right up to the late 1970's. By then, there were plans to demolish it, but local heritage organisation Badan Warisan Malaysia stepped in to lobby for its preservation. In the end, Central Market was renovated and in 1986 reopened as an arts and culture venue.

An annex to the Central Market previously housing a cineplex was also restored and opened in 2006 with space for art galleries and performing arts theatre.

How to reach Central Market

You can take the light rail transit Ampang Line or Kelana Jaya Line to the Masjid Jamek LRT Station and walk south to reach it. Alternatively, you can also take the Kelana Jaya Line to the Pasar Seni LRT Station and walk north to it.

Location Map of Central Market

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