Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cultural Imprints
ArtLink is proud to have curated the art collection for Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, located on the 102nd floor of the iconic Merdeka 118 tower, the second tallest building in the world. This landmark project also happens to be our highest to date.
The art collection was conceived as the personal assemblage of a fictional resident family, curated over years within the walls of their home. It weaves together local craft with vibrant contemporary works that capture the intensity of colour and organic forms found throughout Malaysia. Blending local and international pieces, the collection is united by a thread of form, energy, and colour that resonates with the spirit of place.
Legend tells of Laksamana Hang Nadim, who over 500 years ago was tasked by Sultan Mahmud with a daring mission to sail across the seas to India and return with 140 pieces of serasah cloth, each bearing 40 unique floral motifs. Braving the winds and waves, Hang Nadim’s journey became the first chapter in Malaysia’s long and vibrant love affair with Batik. More than just fabric, these cloths carried stories, symbols, and artistry that would bloom across the archipelago. Recorded in the 17th-century Malay Annals, this tale reminds us that Batik is not just a craft. It is a voyage of culture, history, and imagination, woven into every pattern and every flower.
Inspired by the rich tradition of Malaysian batik, our team curated works that draw on its vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and the weaving and printmaking traditions. Reinterpreted through contemporary artistry, these pieces celebrate the harmony of craftsmanship and creativity deeply rooted in Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
Atrium Sculpture
As guests step into the atrium, they are met by a breathtaking six meter tall sculpture by acclaimed Malaysian artist Abdul Multhalib Musa. Drawing inspiration from Malaysia’s lush flora and the motifs woven throughout its rich cultural heritage, Abdul transforms steel into flowing, organic forms that seem to move with light and air. A highlight of the collection, this special commission celebrates the local flora and the artistry of Malaysia, offering a striking first impression for every visitor. Bringing the piece to life was no small feat. Because of the hotel's location on the 102nd floor, the sculpture had to be transported in small sections, and assembled on-site by a skilled logistics team. Even the base was engineered in modular parts, with each connection point designed to blend seamlessly into the form so that every joint became an intentional part of the sculpture’s design.
Malaysian Hibiscus Mural
This site-specific mural by Malaysian artist Cassie Wong reinterprets the country’s national flower, the hibiscus, through a contemporary lens. Rather than depicting it in its traditional form, Wong deconstructed its elements into expressive shapes and dynamic compositions, symbolising strength, unity, and vibrancy. Influenced by the flowing lines of nature, the soft movement of fabric, and the intricate patterns of Malaysian batik, the mural evokes a sense of grace and cultural richness.
Developed in close collaboration with the client and under the art direction of our curators, the piece was painted on site, bringing a distinctly local and handcrafted presence to the space.
Mappa Mundi
The Mappa Mundi artworks at reception celebrate Malaysia’s diverse landscape and the dynamic cityscape of Kuala Lumpur. Downtown Kuala Lumpur is a city map that traces the intricate network of the city’s streets, while Greater Kuala Lumpur is a Contour Curve map shaped by the contour lines of the Titiwangsa Mountains. Together, they reflect the contrast and harmony between the city’s vibrant urban rhythm and the lush, untamed beauty of Malaysia’s rainforest landscape.
Trace of Life
This commissioned installation by Malaysian artist Agnes Lau is composed of more than 5,500 hand-shaped pieces of smoke-red white clay. Each fragment carries the subtle marks of transformation, like the delicate traces of decay in nature. Individually, they tell their own unique story. Together, they form a flowing, layered narrative that honours change and the traces it leaves behind.
Selected for their meditative creation process, various works by the artist featured in the hotel echo Malaysian traditions such as batik weaving and printing, where rhythm and patience create harmony, inviting stillness and reflection amid Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant urban landscape.
The Malay Annals
The Malay Annals—one of the finest literary works of the 15th–16th centuries—chronicle the origins of the Malacca Sultanate and tell of Batik’s arrival in Malaysia. This blend of history and legend inspired a series of commissioned raku ceramic sculptures that bring these tales to life, depicting mythical beings and native creatures such as the Malayan tapir.
Corridors
A series of works located throughout the corridors on each floor take inspiration from the songket weaving of Terengganu, Malaysia, with brushstrokes that mimic the interlacing of threads. Commissioned for the hotel, the pieces also echo the artistry of batik, celebrating Malaysia’s rich textile heritage.
"At Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, we take pride in showcasing art that speaks to Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. In collaboration with ArtLink, our collection was thoughtfully curated to evoke the spirit of a refined home away from home—intimate, expressive, and deeply rooted in local tradition."
Project Details
The art collection at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur was conceived as the personal assemblage of a fictional resident family, curated over years within the walls of their home. It weaves together local craft with vibrant contemporary works that capture the intensity of colour and organic forms found throughout Malaysia. Blending local and international pieces, the collection is united by a thread of form, energy, and colour that resonates with the spirit of place.
Project details
Client: Permodalan Nasional Berhad
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