Let’s Visit Klang [2]: Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery: Honoring a Legacy in Klang

Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery – Discover The Legacy of the Selangor Sultanate

Step into the rich history and legacy of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah at the renowned Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery in Klang, Malaysia. This exceptional museum which pays tribute to the life and contributions of Sultan Salahuddin, was first established at Jalan Kota Raja, Syahbandaraya (Kampung Jawa) in Klang in 1988 to house His Majesty’s personal collection of artefacts, memorabilia and royal paraphernalia. Located within the palace grounds, the Royal Gallery was formerly known as the Memorial Museum (Muzium Kenangan). It was fully completed in 1988 and funded entirely by His Majesty.

In 1998, His Majesty graciously changed the name from the Memorial Museum to the Royal Gallery Sultan Abdul Aziz, taking on his own birth name. With the support of the state government, the Royal Gallery underwent modifications and was opened to the public in 2000. A year later, following His Majesty’s passing, the Royal Gallery was temporarily closed.

Honoring Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah

Upon the ascension of His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj to the throne in 2011, His Royal Highness directed the continuation of his late father’s initiative by relocating the gallery to its current location, the Sultan Suleiman building. That was how the museum which was built in 1909 be turned into the new Royal Gallery.

The gallery’s establishment is a testament to Sultan Salahuddin’s remarkable reign as the eighth Sultan of Selangor for over 39 years and his position as the eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) in Malaysia. On the 19th of October 2007, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had graciously officiated The Royal Gallery and was opened to the public two weeks later. Currently chaired by then nephew of Salahuddin of Selangor, Tengku Indera Pahlawan Diraja Selangor (Yang Amat Dihormati Tengku Dato’ Setia Putra Alhaj bin Tengku Azman Shah Alhaj), the gallery upholds Sultan Salahuddin’s legacy and contributions.

On September 21, 2016, a significant event unfolded as the “Kallas,” which had adorned the apex of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque (State Mosque) since 1988, underwent a meticulous removal process. This towering structure, positioned 100 meters above the ground, was systematically disassembled and lowered part by part. The Kallas has a weight of 125 kg, a diameter of 2.2 meters, and is made of an aluminum frame and a stainless-steel pillar.

On December 7, 2018, with the approval of His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the original “Kallas” found a new home at the Royal Gallery. This gesture served as a tribute to his father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, who was the brainchild behind the existence of the new state mosque following his consent to handover Kuala Lumpur to the Federal Government in 1974, thus making Shah Alam the new capital of the state of Selangor.

Architectural Beauty and Historical Significance

Distinguished by its unique doors, windows, grille, verandahs, and color scheme, the building earned the moniker “White House” from the people of Klang. In year 1989, the Late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah named it “Bangunan Sultan Suleiman” or known as Sultan Suleiman Building.

Bangunan Sultan Suleiman’s architectural grandeur is a blend of classic colonial and neo-classical influences. Designed by English Architect Arthur B. Hubback and built in 1909 during the reign of Almarhum Sultan Sir Ala’eddin Suleiman Shah (1898 – 1938). This building has transformed from a land and administration office for the British office to a Japanese military headquarters during World War II. After the war, the building housed the Klang District Office which administrated land matters.

The building was then occupied by the Royal Malaysian Police Contingent of Selangor from 1973 to 1985, when the Klang District Office relocated to a new premises on Jalan Kota. Subsequently, from 1987 to 2002, it served as the office of the Klang Municipal Council.

In a significant step, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj consented the transformation of the Sultan Suleiman Building into the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, marking the commencement of renovation efforts in early 2005. Bangunan Sultan Suleiman finally finding its purpose as a museum. The restoration has preserved its historical significance, creating an ideal backdrop for the exhibits.

A Glimpse into the Past: Exhibits and Collections

The museum’s exhibits provide a window into the rich history of the Selangor Sultanate, tracing its lineage back to 1766. Guests will gain a glimpse into the formative years of the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, from his childhood and early days as a crown prince to his trajectory in military and public service, culminating in his installment as the 8th Sultan of Selangor in 1960. The Royal Collections encompass a diverse assortment of splendid personal artifacts and gifts, spanning the entirety of his reign.

With a diverse collection of over 2,000 artifacts, visitors can delve into Sultan Salahuddin’s life and contributions. From personal belongings to royal regalia, the exhibits showcase the Sultan’s multifaceted life and international relationships. The exhibition also features replicas of Selangor’s crown jewels. You may have a virtual tour at their official website.

Recognition at FIABCI Awards for Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery

While Bangunan Sultan Suleiman was registered as a Warisan Kebangsaan (National Heritage) in year 2005, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, a distinguished cultural institution, has also achieved significant recognition in the realm of real estate excellence.

Awarded by FIABCI Malaysia in the Specialized Category on October 27, 2007, the gallery secured the first-place honor. The ceremony took place at the prestigious One World Hotel and was graced by the presence of H.R.H. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Moreover, the gallery’s excellence extended beyond national borders.

The following year, in 2008, it was nominated as a finalist in the Public Sector Category for the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence—an award that acknowledges projects that embody excellence across various real estate disciplines. The award’s evaluation involved an international panel of 17 esteemed real estate professionals and experts from around the globe. Criteria for judgment included architecture and design, development and construction, community benefits and environmental impact, as well as financial and marketing aspects. The gallery’s accolades continued to shine as it received the finalist certificate from the President of FIABCI International on May 29, 2008, during a ceremony held in Amsterdam.

Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery – Legacy and Accessibility

Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery shines a spotlight on the opulent history and heritage of the Selangor Sultanate, tracing its roots back to 1766, when it emerged from the Bugis Sulawesi Royal family of Opu Tanreburung Daeng Relaka of the Malay Archipelago. Inaugurated in 2007 by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery stands as a hub of historical exploration.

It welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (Closed on Monday & Public Holidays), offering a deep dive into the past and celebrating the heritage of the Selangor Sultanate. Explore the exhibits, embrace the architecture, and honor the legacy of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah at this captivating museum.

Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery is only within walking distance from Laman Seni Safari Royal Klang Heritage Walk. Let’s visit Klang!

Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery | Klang, Selangor
Travel Guide - You can use the KTM and alight at Klang for easy walking access.
Opening Hours - Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (Closed on Monday & Public Holidays)
Recommended Visit Time - Anytime is ok since this is indoor gallery
Entrance Fee - Free
Estimated Playtime - 30 minutes.
Attire - 
Children/Seniors/Persons with Limited Mobility - Please watch your kids as there are a lot of artefacts. A lift is available.
Special Note - Visitors are not allowed to take photo inside the gallery.