Description of the attraction
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is one of the ten most beautiful in the world. This striking example of the so-called British colonial architecture was built in the city center in 1910.
The author of the project is Arthur Hubbek, a famous architect, invited from Great Britain to oversee the development of the capital of Malaysia in the first half of the XX century. His commitment to the Moorish style, combined with Indo-Saracenic influences, greatly contributed to the creation of a unique image of the young city. It was thanks to the skillful use of these styles that he managed to make the station's huge building almost like a toy on the outside.
There were already two railway stations in the city. But due to the intensive development, a large railway station was needed. The construction cost is estimated to have exceeded $ 23,000. On August 1, 1910, the station was opened and for many years became the largest railway junction in Malaysia.
When you look at it, it is impossible to believe that there are railway platforms and trains running inside. The elegant snow-white building is decorated with fabulous turrets, domed onions, openwork arches, graceful spiers, and resembles an airy cake. From some angles, it can be mistaken for the original design of a mosque. Apparently, the fact that a year earlier the architect Khabbek designed the famous Jamek mosque had an effect. With such an extraordinary, outlandish appearance, the inside of the station was an ordinary, very large railway station.
Almost 75 years later, the station has undergone an internal reconstruction. The flow of tourists increased, and comfortable conditions were required for them. The building has modern-level waiting rooms with air conditioning, bars and information kiosks.
Over time, the realization came that a beautiful building has become one of the most attractive attractions and requires more careful maintenance. A kilometer south of it, the construction of a new station began. It opened on April 15, 2001 and immediately unloaded the old station from intercity traffic. The creation of a railway museum began there: the old railway equipment was restored and shipped to the capital. A small shunting locomotive and a century-old fire engine even appeared here. In 2007, on the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence, the old railway station was opened as a museum, and its building received the status of the heritage of the Malaysian people.
Today it is used as a commuter train station. Its main purpose is a cultural center, an architectural landmark and decoration of the city.
