Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

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The vibrant and colourful Central Market

Central Market is a main attraction in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This market is also known as Pasar Seni or Pasar Budaya.

[edit] History

The building was built in 1888 by the British who were ruling Malaya at that time and it was used as wet market for Kuala Lumpur citizens and tin miners. Further expansions were made in 1889, 1895, 1920 and 1921. By 1933, the expansions to the warehouse would result in its current size today and cost around $167,000.

As Kuala Lumpur experienced its own development at a rapid pace in the 1970s, there were plans to demolish the site. The intervention of the Malaysian Heritage Society proved timely as they successfully petitioned against its deconstruction and the site was declared as a 'Heritage Site'.

The Wet Market then was very convenient to the early city dwellers because it was within the vicinity of Klang bus stand, the hub of feeder bus service for Kuala Lumpur and the train station.

During construction of Dayabumi near Klang River banks in 1981 the market was survived from its demolition. However on 1985 the market was renovated into vibrant and colourful new style and on 1986 it was officially known as Pasar Budaya until now.

The Annexe Central Market, located at the back of main building that formerly housed a cineplex, was opened in 2006. The Annexe houses art galleries, theatre and music performance spaces, and arts and craft shops. It is one of the major art spaces in Kuala Lumpur and is a hub of activity all year long which features artworks and performances by local, regional and international artists.

The walking mall parallel to the main building (facing the shop lots) is noted for housing street musicians or buskers.