Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery Expected to Reopen by 2026
Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery Expected to Reopen by 2026
The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery here is expected to reopen by next year at the latest or in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, according to Perak State Exco for Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development, Loh Sze Yee.
The gallery, which was inaugurated on December 9, 2003, is currently undergoing conservation and upgrading works. According to Loh, the delay in the gallery's reopening is due to work processes that require special attention, particularly in the procurement of building materials.
“Upgrading works on this heritage building are not the same as for ordinary buildings because it requires meticulous attention so that its historical value is not compromised,” he said.
“For example, there are several parts of the building's structure that need to be custom-ordered as the materials are difficult to obtain nowadays,” he added.
Loh said this when met by reporters during a working visit to the Victoria Bridge, Enggor, on Thursday. Also present were New Village Development Officer, Izac Poh Peng, and Karai New Village Head, Leu Poh Kin.
Temporarily Closed for Conservation Works
According to the Perak State Museum Board website, the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery was closed in June 2023 to allow for conservation and exhibition upgrading works to be carried out.
The gallery, located in Bukit Chandan, was also previously closed temporarily in April 2018 for maintenance work by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
The Heritage-Rich History of Istana Hulu
The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery is the result of the restoration of Istana Hulu (or Istana Kota), which began construction in 1898 and was fully completed in 1903. This historic building once served as the residence for three Sultans of Perak: Sultan Idris Murshidul ‘Adzam Shah I, Sultan Abdul Jalil Karamatullah Shah, and Sultan Yussuf Izzudin Shah.
Today, the gallery showcases information and personal items belonging to the 34th Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, as a state heritage treasure.
With the planned reopening, the gallery is expected to become one of the main tourist attractions in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
