Kuala Lumpur Revives Abandoned Cinema into Arts Hub REXKL
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
REXKL in Kuala Lumpur's historic Petaling Street has emerged as a must-visit destination for culture seekers, following the adaptive reuse of the abandoned REX Cinema that once belonged to Shaw Brothers (邵氏兄弟). After enduring two devastating fires in 1972 and 2002, the cinema languished in disrepair until a creative team stepped in to revitalize the space in 2019, preserving its weathered cement walls and vintage tiles while introducing an industrial aesthetic. Today, the three-story complex hosts an eclectic mix of vintage clothing shops, antique dealers, independent bookstores, and original brand boutiques, creating a treasure-hunting atmosphere that appeals to young locals and tourists alike.
Key Points
- The REX Cinema was originally operated by Shaw Brothers (邵氏兄弟) and suffered fires in both 1972 and 2002, leading to decades of abandonment before its 2019 revival
- Design teams deliberately preserved raw cement walls, retro floor tiles, and exposed structural elements to maintain the building's historical character and industrial atmosphere
- BookXcess occupies a converted cinema hall spanning nearly 6,000 square feet, featuring a labyrinthine layout with staircases at varying heights that create different lighting and bookshelf arrangements on each floor
- The flagship "it's herbs" outlet serves as the debut tea shop for Malaysian innovative TCM clinic "Not Chinese Medicine" (不是中藥), offering 14 specially crafted beverages balancing herbal, coffee, and cold-brew tea flavors
- Recommended signature drink "Pepper Drama" (椒情) combines green pepper, pineapple, yellow lemon, and jasmine tea for a refreshing, layered flavor profile with subtle spiciness and elegant floral notes
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong travelers seeking unique cultural experiences beyond mainstream attractions, REXKL represents a compelling model of how abandoned heritage buildings can be transformed into vibrant community spaces that blend history with contemporary creativity. The integration of TCM services with casual tea culture at "it's herbs" offers a novel concept that remains relatively uncommon in Hong Kong's F&B landscape, potentially inspiring local entrepreneurs to explore similar cross-sector collaborations.
For Hong Kong travelers seeking unique cultural experiences beyond mainstream attractions, REXKL represents a compelling model of how abandoned heritage buildings can be transformed into vibrant community spaces that blend history with contemporary creativity. The integration of TCM services with casual tea culture at "it's herbs" offers a novel concept that remains relatively uncommon in Hong Kong's F&B landscape, potentially inspiring local entrepreneurs to explore similar cross-sector collaborations.