Beneath KL’s surface lies a small but growing network of vibrant creative spaces. From repurposed cinemas to hidden alleys, these enclaves offer a glimpse into the city’s artistic soul.​

Kuala Lumpur has long been known for its iconic skyline, maze-like malls, and maddening traffic… and of course its reputation as a food lover’s paradise. But behind the gleaming high-rises and alluring hawker stalls lies a lesser-known side to Malaysia’s capital – a creative pulse that’s been steadily gaining strength over the past few years.

Across the city, a number of rejuvenated buildings and heritage structures are being reimagined into modern creative enclaves – spaces that celebrate art, design, history, and local entrepreneurship. These hubs offer a different kind of exploration for visitors and locals alike, blending culture with creativity in unique, Instagram-worthy settings. If you’re looking to escape the usual KL itinerary of retail and roti, here are five artistic corners of the city worth your time.

THE ZHONGSHAN BUILDING

In the heritage quarter of Kampung Attap sits the unassuming but deeply storied Zhongshan Building. With its white façade and traditional Chinese signage, the building has a quiet charm that belies its dynamic present-day role as a creative collective. Originally constructed in the 1950s, it has served as everything from a butcher’s shop to a dormitory for foreign workers. The Selangor Zhongshan Association, from which the building takes its name, also operated here for a time.

After periods of vacancy, a group of visionaries saw the building’s potential and transformed it into a modern creative space. Spread across several levels, Zhongshan now houses independent bookstores, galleries, design studios, a music bar, artisanal cafes, and locally owned retail outlets. There’s an ever-changing lineup of exhibitions and pop-up events, and visitors can easily spend a couple of hours browsing the nooks and crannies of this understated gem.

80, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur

SENTUL DEPOT & SENTUL PARK

Located about 30 minutes from the city centre, Sentul Depot is another reclaimed space with deep historical roots. Once a major railway engineering hub under the Federated Malay States Railways, the site employed over 5,000 people in its heyday in the early 20th century. Over time, the depot’s workshops were phased out, and the site became a storage yard for old train parts. Fortunately, the bones of the old depot remained intact – and they’ve been put to good use.

Now repurposed into a sprawling venue for events, bazaars, art festivals, and fashion shows, Sentul Depot blends its industrial past with present-day innovation. You’ll still see original features like weathered brickwork, rusted steel beams, and railway-era fittings throughout the space.

Adjacent to the depot is Sentul Park – a verdant, semi-private park that feels a world away from the city’s concrete jungle. While much of the park is reserved for residents of the nearby condos, the grounds of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) are open to the public. KLPAC regularly stages theatre productions, concerts, and spoken word performances, making this corner of Sentul one of the city’s most accessible arts destinations.

Jalan Strachan, Sentul West, 51100 Kuala Lumpur

KWAI CHAI HONG (LORONG PANGGUNG)

Just steps from the ever-lively Petaling Street and a short stroll from the Pasar Seni LRT/MRT station, an alleyway once forgotten has been given a fresh new lease on life. Lorong Panggung, also known as Kwai Chai Hong (which loosely translates to “Little Demon Alley”), is now a must-visit destination in Chinatown. The name itself is a nod to the area’s gritty past – tales of gangsters and gamblers once loomed large here – but today, the alleyway is all charm and colour.

Restored shophouses line the narrow path, their century-old facades now home to trendy eateries and interactive art displays. Red lanterns sway overhead, and murals depicting scenes from 1960s Chinatown bring a playful nostalgia to the area. QR codes allow visitors to dive deeper into the stories behind the artwork, while designated photo spots ensure you’ll leave with more than just memories. Kwai Chai Hong has managed to preserve its heritage while becoming one of KL’s most photogenic modern-day attractions.

Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

REXKL

Tucked just beyond the bustle of Bukit Bintang, REXKL is a refreshing counterpoint to the area’s glass-and-steel cityscape. This former cinema, first opened in 1947 as Rex Theatre, was one of the earliest in the country. Designed by architect James Robert Vethavanam, it enjoyed decades of popularity before being ravaged by multiple fires – in 1972, 2002, and again in 2007 – and eventually fell into disuse. Briefly repurposed as a backpackers’ hostel, the building finally found new life in 2018 as a multi-functional arts and cultural space.

The revitalisation has retained much of the original architecture, enhanced by industrial-chic elements such as exposed brickwork and concrete walls, tall glass panes, and raw metal finishes. Today, REXKL is a thriving hub featuring curated pop-ups, art installations, weekend markets, and cosy cafes. It effortlessly merges KL’s historic cinema legacy with modern creativity, making it a standout space for indie events and grassroots brands.

80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

GMBB

In the heart of Bukit Bintang, surrounded by mega-malls and commercial towers, GMBB has carved out a niche for itself as a creative community mall. The acronym stands for ‘Gamuda Malaysia Boutique Bazaar,’ though most simply refer to it as GMBB. Unlike the polished shopping centres nearby, GMBB takes a slower, more thoughtful approach – placing emphasis on Malaysian artistry, storytelling, and cultural expression.

Across its nine floors, you’ll find a rotating mix of local designers, art collectives, and boutique retailers. Workshops, installations, and seasonal bazaars regularly bring in new energy, while the on-site theatre hosts film screenings and stage performances. GMBB is also home to creative incubators and co-working spaces, supporting a thriving ecosystem of makers and thinkers. Whether you’re looking to pick up locally made gifts, attend a poetry reading, or just enjoy a quiet coffee, GMBB invites exploration at every turn.

2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur