The former Istana Negara began as a private mansion before becoming the setting for Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy. Its Palladian symmetry and later royal additions record several changes of ownership and national purpose within one building.
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The symmetry of this mansion belongs to its first life as a private home. The Department of Museums says it was built in 1928 for Chinese businessman Chan Wing, then designed in a Palladian style by Singapore firm Swan and MacLaren.
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- The mansion was built in 1928 for Chan Wing.
- Swan and MacLaren designed it in a Palladian style.
- It served as the royal residence from 1957 to 2011.
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