Dome theatre
Stars overhead.
Sergey from Novosibirsk, Russia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wiki Farazi — CC0 · Wiki Farazi — CC0 · Yu Chu Chin — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yu Chu Chin — CC BY-SA 4.0
Malaysia's national planetarium, a building crowned by a large blue dome on a hill in the Perdana gardens, a few minutes from the National Museum and the National Mosque. It was completed in 1993 and officially opened in 1994, with the Japanese government contributing to its cost. Its main hall holds a permanent space-science exhibition, whose highlights include an Ariane rocket engine of the kind that launched Malaysia's first satellite, spacecraft models and interactive sections on the planets and stars. Its garden has scale models of ancient observatories from different civilisations. Its best-known feature is the dome theatre, where space films are projected onto the domed ceiling so the stars surround you. Entry to the exhibition is free, a show ticket costs about twelve ringgit for an adult, and it opens from nine to half past four, closing on Mondays and some holidays. It suits families and children, especially in the hottest hours or in rain. A footbridge links it to the National Museum, so combine the two in one visit.
Stars overhead.
From Malaysia's first satellite.
Models in the garden.
Jalan Perdana, on a hill in the Perdana gardens near the National Museum
Royal Malaysian Police MuseumA small free museum telling the history of policing in Malaysia, from the guards3 minutes walk4.6
Islamic Arts Museum MalaysiaThe largest museum of Islamic art in Southeast Asia, and arguably the finest thi3 minutes walk4.6
National Museum of MalaysiaFive ringgit, one of the cheapest things you will pay for in Kuala Lumpur, buys 4 minutes walk4.2
National Mosque of MalaysiaInstead of the usual dome, this mosque is crowned by a roof shaped like a folded5 minutes walk4.7
Kuala Lumpur Old Railway StationA railway station that looks like a Mughal palace: white domes, little turrets, 5 minutes walk4.3Yes, the exhibition is interactive and free, the dome show is short and engaging, and the footbridge makes it easy to add the neighbouring National Museum.