Sarawak resfurbishing another historical landmark as Rumah Sarawak set to be new Sarawak Arts Council Headquarters
The historic Rumah Sarawak along Jalan Taman Budaya is set to embark on a new lease of life as the permanent headquarters of the Sarawak Arts Council (Majlis Seni Sarawak, MSS).
This comes following refurbishment plans announced by Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. It is also noted that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg suggested Rumah Sarawak as the new headquarters of the Sarawak Arts Council.
The move would see the ageing facility be repurposed hence revitalizing one of Kuching’s most recognisable heritage buildings.
Once refurbishment works are completed, Rumah Sarawak will offer modern office space, meeting facilities and a creative hub for the Sarawak’s growing arts community.
It is understood that the decision to repurpose Rumah Sarawak aligns with Sarawak’s wider vision of conserving historical buildings through adaptive reuse, ensuring that important landmarks remain relevant while preserving their historical significance. This comes as the government opted to fund the extensive refurbishment rather than construct an entirely new facility for MSS.
It is understood that MSS was located at the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre (SPAC) on a temporary basis, before they were moved to Rumah Sarawak.
However, with the refurbishment works coming, MSS is expected to be relocated again, to a temporary site until the refurbihsment works are completed.
The History of Rumah Sarawak
Built in the early 1970s as a state reception and exhibition venue, Rumah Sarawak quickly became one of Kuching’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.
The building welcomed countless official visitors, dignitaries and international delegates while showcasing Sarawak’s diverse ethnic heritage, handicrafts, traditional architecture and cultural identity.
For decades, it served as an important gateway for introducing visitors to the state’s rich history before newer cultural facilities emerged.
Located within the historic Jalan Taman Budaya precinct, Rumah Sarawak remains a symbol of Sarawak’s hospitality and multicultural pride.
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