In the heart of Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur stands one of the city’s most remarkable adaptive reuse projects — REXKL.
Once known as Rex Cinema, this iconic building has survived fires, abandonment, and decades of urban change — only to re-emerge as a vibrant creative and cultural space that now anchors the revival of Petaling Street.
If you’re exploring Kuala Lumpur beyond malls and skyscrapers, REXKL is where heritage meets contemporary culture.
The Story: From Rex Cinema (1947) to REXKL
Originally opened in 1947 as Rex Theatre, the building quickly became one of Kuala Lumpur’s most beloved cinemas. For decades, it screened blockbuster films and local productions, serving as a social landmark in Chinatown.
However, tragedy struck multiple times.
The cinema suffered major fires — most notably in 2002 and again in 2015. After the final blaze, the structure was left abandoned. Many assumed it would be demolished.
Instead, it became something more powerful.
A collective of visionaries reimagined the building as an urban cultural incubator — preserving its raw industrial character while transforming it into a multi-functional creative space.
Today, the building retains visible scars of its past — charred beams, exposed concrete, industrial textures — making it one of the most atmospheric spaces in Kuala Lumpur.
Photo: Steve Bristow & Edwin Lee
What Is REXKL Today?
REXKL is no longer just a building.
It is:
- A creative retail space
- An event venue
- A cultural exhibition platform
- A community gathering point
- A symbol of urban regeneration
The transformation reflects a broader movement happening in Kuala Lumpur — adaptive reuse instead of demolition.
Instead of erasing history, REXKL integrates it.
The high ceilings, dramatic lighting, open hall layout, and textured interior create a cinematic atmosphere that still echoes its cinema roots.
BookXcess at REXKL
One of the biggest draws inside REXKL is BookXcess.
Unlike traditional bookstores, BookXcess here features:
- A towering tunnel bookshelf
- Sculptural book installations
- Multi-level reading spaces
- A dramatic central staircase lined with books
It has quickly become one of the most photographed bookstores in Malaysia.
For tourists visiting Kuala Lumpur, this is often their first stop in Chinatown.
But beyond the Instagram factor, it represents something deeper: a shift towards culture-led regeneration in KL’s older districts.
Events, Markets & Cultural Happenings
REXKL is not static.
Throughout the year, it hosts:
- Independent pop-up markets
- Film screenings
- Art exhibitions
- Cultural festivals
- Creative workshops
- Talks and panel discussions
The space transforms depending on the event — sometimes minimal and industrial, other times vibrant and crowded.
Because of this flexibility, REXKL has become a preferred venue for brands, collectives, and cultural organisers seeking a non-conventional setting.
Why REXKL Matters to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is often associated with:
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Merdeka 118
- Large shopping malls
But REXKL represents something different.
It shows that Kuala Lumpur is capable of:
- Preserving history
- Supporting creative communities
- Revitalising older neighbourhoods
- Encouraging cultural participation
Its presence has contributed significantly to the renewed interest in Chinatown and Petaling Street.
Together with nearby attractions such as:
- Petaling Street
- Central Market
REXKL forms part of a growing cultural corridor in the city centre.
Visitor Guide to REXKL
Location
80, Jalan Sultan,
City Centre,
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Situated in Chinatown, within walking distance from:
- Pasar Seni LRT Station
- Central Market
- Petaling Street
Opening Hours
Varies depending on tenant and event. BookXcess operates daily.
It’s advisable to check REXKL’s official channels for event updates.
Best Time to Visit
- Late afternoon for photography
- Weekends for markets
- Evenings for events
How to Get to REXKL
By LRT:
Stop at Pasar Seni Station and walk 5–8 minutes.
By MRT:
Merdeka MRT Station is within walking distance.
By Car:
Street parking is limited. Nearby parking lots available around Chinatown.
Is REXKL Worth Visiting?
If you’re interested in:
- Architecture
- Urban culture
- Photography
- Independent brands
- Alternative spaces
Then yes — REXKL offers a different side of Kuala Lumpur.
It’s not a mall.
It’s not a monument.
It’s a living, evolving cultural experiment.
And that’s precisely why it stands out.
FAQs About REXKL
What was REXKL before?
It was Rex Cinema, one of Kuala Lumpur’s historic theatres opened in 1947.
Is REXKL free to enter?
Yes, entry is generally free unless attending a ticketed event.
What is inside REXKL?
BookXcess bookstore, retail tenants, event spaces, art installations, and pop-up markets.
Is REXKL suitable for tourists?
Yes, especially those exploring Chinatown and looking for unique cultural spaces.
A quick history
- 1947: Rex Theatre opens—among the earliest cinemas in Malaya.
- 1972: A major fire destroys the original theatre. It is rebuilt and later run by Golden Communications (now GSC) as a 1,100-seat single-screen cinema.
- 1990s: Upgrades include digital sound (famously for Jurassic Park in 1993).
- 2002: Cinema era ends after another fire; the building’s entertainment chapter closes.
- Today: Local architects and creatives have turned the site into REXKL, a platform for makers, artists and small businesses—preserving the bones of the old cinema while giving it new life.
