The Istana Budaya (GPS: 3.17441, 101.70371), or Palace of Culture, is the national theatre of Malaysia. Located off Jalan Tun Razak, it was built at a cost of RM210 million in 1999. The Istana Budaya is located near Tasik Titiwangsa. The structure, which was designed by Malaysian architect Muhammad Kamar Ya'akub, is supposed to resemble the wau, the Malay traditional kite, in flight. It also incorporates the design of a traditional Malay house in its layout, with a verandah or serambi for the lobby, the living room for the auditorium, and the kitchen for the stage and rehearsal area.
Istana Budaya uses Langkawi marble for its interior and tropical wood for its doors, which are carved with floral and leaf motifs. Continuing on the local design, the carpet spots a motif of bunga cempaka (frangipanni) and the beringin tree.
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