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An art exhibition at GMBB, a creative community mall in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Five Arts Centre at GMBB hosts experimental performances spanning the realms of dance, theater, and music.

A hands-on workshop for making shadow puppets at Fusion Wayang Kulit in GMBB, Kuala Lumpur.

A Malay gamelan ensemble at Gangaspura, located inside GMBB.

The nondescript exterior of GMBB, a nine-story creative community mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The staid office-like exterior gives no clue of what lies within GMBB—a collage of creative expressions, ranging from classical arts to contemporary multimedia works. What was originally conceived as a fashion wholesale mall has been recalibrated into a bastion of culture and artistry. Launched in 2024, the creative community mall in Bukit Bintang gathers over 100 artists, artisans, and visionaries across nine floors brimming with studios and galleries as well as artisanal stores. (A slew of ever-changing exhibitions, performances, and pop-up events add to the buzz.) A must-see is <a href="https://www.fusionwayangkulit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fusion Wayang Kulit</a>, which breathes new life into traditional shadow puppetry by incorporating pop culture icons—think DC superheroes and characters from Star Wars and Ultraman—into the storytelling. At <a href="https://gangsapura.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gangsapura</a>, visitors can get hands-on with Malay gamelan, learning traditional techniques as well as experimenting with modern interpretations of the age-old musical ensemble. Classes here range from one-off 30-minute sessions to weekslong workshops for adults and children. Pushing creative boundaries for more than four decades, the <a href="https://www.fiveartscentre.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Five Arts Centre</a> (a collective of Malaysian artists, activists, and producers) continues to explore alternative art forms through experimental theater, dance, and music. In all, GMBB is a multisensory delight for not only aesthetes, but also anyone seeking unique experiences. —Angela Goh
<a href="https://gmbb.com.my/?DestinAsian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gmbb.com.my</a> 
+60 3 2022 5288 
<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/CSFMUGiKrdNNs3cE6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2 Jl. Robertson, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia</a>

GMBB: Culture and Art