Located in the heart of Downtown Kuala Lumpur, REXKL was commissioned before the Japanese occupation, and opened on 28th July 1947. It was known as Rex Theatre then which was operated by Shaw Brothers. However, the cinema caught fire in 1972 and damaged the building.
Subsequently it was took over by Golden Communications (now Golden Screen Cinemas or GSC). After it was rebuilt in 1976, Rex Cinema housed a single screen theatre that could seat over a thousand people.
Later in 1993, Rex Theatre became the first cinema in Malaysia to have a digital sound processor system, with the release of ‘Jurassic Park’. Rex remained as one of the popular and large cinemas during that era until they ceased operations on 15 November 2002.
Photo: Steve Bristow & Edwin Lee
It was then converted into a backpackers hostel, named as the Red Dragon Hostel in 2007. Unfortunately, in August 2007, another fire broke out in the hostel.
Photo / Kok Kuen
17 years later, a group of creative entrepreneurs led by Shin Tseng and Shin Chang decided to re-activate this 60,000 sq.ft. building as part the mission to rejuvenate the forgotten part of KL by injecting new businesses, cultural agenda and creative programs into this otherwise dilapidated hidden gem.
The team has successfully rejuvenated the space with creative usage, injecting it with young, local entrepreneurs and organising amazing events in REXKL.
Despite being a happening space for the urbanites and travellers, many of the original structure of the architecture is still preserved.
REXKL is now a home for a bookstore with creative setups, curated lifestyle stores, amazing eateries and happening events. The management team has been creatively bringing in fresh ideas and curating events to keep the space alive.
Since the rejuvenation of REX KL, it has not only revived the cinema, but it has also helped boost the local economy around downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Location: 80, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
