Stadium Merdeka, Sports stadium in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Description
Stadium Merdeka is a historic sports venue in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, designed by the Malaysian Public Works Department with a circular plan. The structure features prestressed floodlight towers and cantilever shell roofs that span across the grandstands.
History
Construction finished in 1956 and the venue became the site where Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaysian independence from British colonial rule in August 1957. Following restoration work, the building received a UNESCO award for conservation that recognized its return to the 1957 configuration.
Culture
The name Merdeka means independence and recalls the moment Malaysia proclaimed its freedom. The venue hosts national celebrations, sporting contests and concerts that draw visitors from across the country.
Practical
The venue sits near Maharajalela Monorail station and accommodates 25,000 people with modern facilities. Visitors can view the original architectural elements preserved during restoration.
Did you know?
The building retained its original 1957 configuration after extensive restoration work that earned an award for excellence in conservation across the Asia-Pacific region. The work restored details lost in earlier renovations.
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