Once a beloved cinema where generations gathered for movies, this historic landmark near Petaling Street has made an extraordinary comeback — and it’s anything but ordinary!
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When Movie Tickets Were the Hottest Thing in Town!
Imagine stepping back into Kuala Lumpur in the 1950s, when watching a movie was a special occasion. No Netflix, no streaming, just the excitement of buying a cinema ticket and enjoying a blockbuster on the big screen!
That was the magic of Rex Cinema, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic entertainment landmarks.
Located along Jalan Sultan, near bustling Petaling Street, Rex Cinema first opened on 28 July 1947. Designed by architect James Robert Vethavanam and operated by Shaw Brothers, it quickly became a favourite gathering place for movie lovers. REXPERIENCE in Kuala Lumpur+1
From Hollywood Blockbusters to Heartbreaking Fires
Rex Cinema’s story wasn’t always a happy one.
After a devastating fire in the 1970s, the cinema was rebuilt in 1976 into an impressive 1,100-seat theatre. Imagine the excitement of hundreds of moviegoers filling the auditorium!
In 1993, Rex even became Malaysia’s first cinema equipped with a digital sound processor for Jurassic Park. Those dinosaur roars must have been quite an experience!
Sadly, another fire in 2002 ended its cinema operations. The building later became a backpackers’ hostel before suffering yet another fire in 2007. REXPERIENCE in Kuala Lumpur+1
For years, this once-famous landmark seemed destined to become another forgotten chapter of KL’s history.
A Remarkable Comeback — Meet REXKL!
But wait! This old cinema wasn’t ready for its final curtain call.
In 2018, a group of creative entrepreneurs began transforming the abandoned building into REXKL, a vibrant arts, culture and lifestyle destination. Unique Arts & Culture Hub+1
Today, the colourful graffiti-covered exterior is already an attraction!
Step inside and you’ll discover an eclectic world of eateries, independent shops, vintage collectibles, exhibitions and creative spaces.
One particularly fascinating spot is BookXcess, a bookstore featuring maze-like shelves and unexpected corners that make browsing feel like a little adventure.
The vintage shops are equally entertaining. From nostalgic toys and old cameras to retro decorations and unusual collectibles, you never know what treasure might catch your eye!
And don’t overlook those weathered staircases, exposed concrete walls and old-fashioned tiles. They are reminders of the building’s cinematic past.
Old Memories, New Adventures!
What makes REXKL special isn’t simply its trendy atmosphere. It’s the way the old and new coexist.
Where moviegoers once queued for tickets, today’s visitors gather for coffee, books, art and music.
For older generations, it’s a nostalgic reminder of KL’s golden cinema era. For younger visitors, it’s a wonderfully unconventional hangout.
Rex Cinema may have stopped screening movies, but its story is far from over.
And perhaps that’s the most beautiful plot twist of all!
Location: REXKL
Address: 80 Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — near Petaling Street (Chinatown).
