One of Malaysia’s most enduring heritage brands, Royal Selangor, marked a significant milestone with the opening of its new gallery and visitor centre at the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
The iconic landmark, recently restored and now open to the public, was originally completed in 1897 as part of the vast administrative complex that housed government offices under the British colonial administration, including the Mines Department.
With its copper domes, clock tower and Neo-Mughal and Moorish architectural crossover, the building is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable landmarks.
The Royal Selangor Gallery, located at G-01 and 1-01 of the building, showcases a sprawling collection of pewter exhibits from the 1800s to the present day.
It also houses a chic top floor cafe offering views of the historical precinct.
The gallery’s launch, held on Feb 5, 2026, was graced by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, following the building’s official grand opening on Jan 31, 2026, attended by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; and various dignitaries.
During his speech, Royal Selangor managing director Datuk Yong Yoon Li said that through the opening of the gallery, the company is hoping not just to display beautiful products but to honour the memory of their predecessors, the pioneers, miners, workers and his great grandfather, founder Yong Koon.
“Today, this space is an invitation for us to contemplate our history,” said Yong. “As silent witnesses to our history, the exhibits imbue cultural significance.”
Occupying over 8,000 sq ft (743 sq m), the venue encompasses a pewtersmithing workshop, F&B space and retail destination, and at the centre of the experience is an underground tunnel, designed as a passage through history.
Connecting the gallery to the School of Hard Knocks pewtersmithing workshop and the retail space, it traces parallel narratives: the past of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the formation of Kuala Lumpur and the founding of Royal Selangor.
Within the gallery, early works by founder Yong Koon, including Chinese altar items and household wares produced for both local and Western markets, are featured.
An interactive feature wall offers an overview of pewter forms, functions and craftsmanship across the last two centuries, from antique offering dishes to pop culture collectibles.
At the School of Hard Knocks pewtersmithing workshop, visitors will have the opportunity to use traditional tools similar to those employed more than a century ago, experiencing the physicality of pewtersmithing first-hand as they hammer a flat sheet of pewter into a circular bowl through repeated strikes.
Participants will take home a certificate of completion, an apron and their bowl.
The Cafe at the top floor overlooks Dataran Merdeka on one side, and the scenic riverside path, Masjid Jamek and its Pedestrian Bridge on the other. Serving coffee, cakes and light fare, the cafe offers a welcoming retreat within the city centre.
A showroom featuring souvenirs, tableware and home accessories completes the experience. It also serves to connect the curated retail showcases with the design exhibits displayed at the gallery. – By Nasa Maria Entaban
The top floor of the cafe offers historic views of the city.
A showroom featuring souvenirs, tableware and home accessories completes the experience.
An interactive feature wall offers an overview of pewter forms, functions and craftsmanship across the last two centuries.
The historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building was originally completed in 1897. — Photos: Royal Selangor
Sultan Sharafuddin (second from right) with Yong (right) during a tour of the space after the launch event. — ART CHEN/The Star
At the School of Hard Knocks pewtersmithing workshop, visitors will have the opportunity to use traditional tools.
