Landmark

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Candidate image for Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building’s arched frontage, copper-toned domes, and clock tower face Merdeka Square. Built as government offices in the 1890s, it later witnessed independence ceremonies and now stands as a landmark shaped by successive political uses.

Guide preview

The clock tower rises above a long brick façade built for administration. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was completed in 1897 as the New Government Offices, when Kuala Lumpur was becoming the center of Selangor’s government.

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Quick facts

  • The building was completed in 1897 as the New Government Offices.
  • Its design includes horseshoe arches, domes, and a clock tower.
  • The building faces Merdeka Square, where independence ceremonies took place in 1957.

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