cempaka flower and the banyan tree, inspired by traditional Malay opera or Mak Yong. In the auditorium, there are royal boxes on each side, patterned after the windows of a Malay house. The entrance to the theatre, too, replicates a palace's main hall, or the Balairong Seri and is said to be modelled after one in Malacca. The theatre lobby on the third floor extends the influence of Malay culture, taking the shape of the rebana ubi or traditional drum. The auditorium itself seats about 1,408 people, including 788 in the stalls on the first floor, 328 in the grand circle on the second floor and 292 people in the upper circle. The orchestra pit, when it is not in use, can take in 98 people. Istana Budaya has wheelchair facilities, including a ramp into the foyer, a lift with easy-to-reach buttons and an area designated for the handicapped. Restrooms for the disabled are also found at both the stalls and grand circle areas. Additionally, there is also a costume gallery featuring clothes from Malay traditional theatre. The costumes are from Bangsawan, Mak Yong, Ajat Bebunuh, Layang Emas and Bambarayon performances, among others. Performances Istana Budaya has staged many notable opera performances including The Merry Widow, Tosca, La Bohème, Turandot and Carmen accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra and chorus. It has also become the main venue for the successful local musical production, Puteri Gunung Ledang. Music directors / conductors Mustafa Fuzer Nawi (1999 – ) Music Director / Chief conductor See also List of concert hall in Malaysia List of opera houses References External links Istana Budaya Official website Detailed Architecture of the Istana Budaya Tourism Malaysia – Istana Budaya All about Malaysia – Istana Budaya Buildings and structures in Kuala Lumpur Theatres in Malaysia National theatres Opera houses in Malaysia Tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur Theatres completed in 1999 Music venues completed in 1999 Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Malaysia) 1999 establishments in Malaysia 20th-century architecture in Malaysia