Rex Cinema reborn as cool maze-like bookstore

The Malaysian bookstore chain BookXcess has opened its 16th outlet on the second floor at REXKL in Jalan Sultan.

The immersive space is 10,708.55 sq. with a maze-like outlet and many secret corners. Visitors can browse through shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling and filled with over 80,000 well-curated books.

It was officially opened on 26th November 2021 with a wide range of options from fiction & non-fiction including books for children. It also has gifts and stationery, art and crafts, pop art and puzzles, toys and many more.

REXKL was formerly the iconic historical landmark REX cinema, that has been revived as a cultural and community hub in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

The well-preserved façade with its pillars, wall tiles and the flight of stairs of the old cinema will take visitors to BookXcess REXKL on a nostalgic journey filled with a myriad of emotions.

Arcitect and fellow co-founder Shin Chang said he wanted to bring adventure back into the lives of people who live in Kuala Lumpur.

We want to go all out and make it a community and art hub that has everything – music gigs, restaurants, live shows with local artists as well where visitors can spend as long as they want in this building,” said Shin Chang.

Artworks from Malaysian and Indonesian artists curated by ARTisFAIR/KL adorn the walls of the bookstore and are also available for sale. There are many Instagram-worthy spots to take photos that will serve as inspiration and art portraits.

For those who would like to grab a few drinks or a light meal after browsing through the books, BookXcess is connected to Shhhbuuuleee, an East Asian restaurant located at the building’s rooftop.

BookXcess REXKL is at 80, Jalan Sultan, 50000 KL (Jalan Sultan is located next to Petaling Street)

BookXcess REXKL Opening hours:

Closed every Monday
Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday – 10:00am to 12:00am