Art Galleries in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Because of its historical past Malaysia is rich in art, dance, theatre, music and culture in general. The many cultures living in this abundant city reflect on the art they brought along. Art is not immediately visible when traveling around Kuala Lumpur, but when visitors to the city search, they definitely can find some fine cultural experiences.

A good start would be the Malaysia Tourist Information Complex (MATIC) at Jalan Ampang in walking distance from the Petronas Twin Towers. Depending in which part of the year K.L. is visited, a variety of cultural festivals will be available. At MATIC the friendly staff will guide and help travelers to all activities around the city. Every Saturday night they host an open air traditional Malaysian music and dance performance at the main entrance of MATIC, starts at 8.30pm and is free for any visitor.

Art Galleries

Art galleries most of the time are small in scale but will make plenty of work from local artists available, most art galleries offer worldwide shipping options.

The Malaysian National Art Gallery

National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Negara) has a permanent collection of work by contemporary Malaysian artists and rotating exhibitions of Asian and international artists. The 7 exhibition halls, total 13.500 square meters and offer hours of cultural pleasure. The permanent collection consists of over 4,000 pieces of artwork, including many

historical pieces, indigenous art and sculptures from all over the Peninsular as also from Sabah and Sarawak. The gallery lays a little outside the city center, but easy to reach by public transport, The exhibitions are free to visit and the gallery can be found next to Istana Budaya at Jalan Temerloh off Jalan Tun Razak.

Petronas Art Gallery

This gallery is located at Jalan Ampang on the third floor of the Suria KLCC, probably the city’s most sophisticated art gallery. The gallery helps and promotes the development of art in Malaysia. It’s an avenue for both Malaysian and foreign artists alike. This multi-purpose venue measures close to 1,500 square meters of exhibition floor space including rooms for workshops and a small lecture rooms. The Petronas art gallery has a full agenda for the year ahead.

Pavilion Shopping Center

Some commercial art galleries can be found in the newly erected Mall at Jalan Bukit Bintang The Pavilion, on the 5^th and 6^th floor the visitor finds a home and lifestyle department, where some art galleries have nestled. Work from local artist is brought on display in this eloquent accommodation.

Starhill Gallery

Starhill Gallery, other then its name would suspect is the name of the whole shopping center but offers on their top floor some smaller art galleries. Which give Starhill the finesse it deserves.

Central Market

Central Market is a marvelous place to see local artists at work, a wide array of styles can be found in this art filled establishment. Artists will be creating work while visitors watch them at what they do best. Central Market is located close to China Town within the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur.

Other Art Galleries and Areas

The National Islam Museum is definitely worth a visit. Another good area to visit is Bangsar, an up-market part of the city, where scattered around The Bangsar Village a shopping complex a few art galleries have grounded on their roots. Collectors Gallery, Pelita Hati House of Art and Valentine Willie Fine Art are established names in this part of the city..

Some small scale art galleries can be found at the Sri Hartmas area close to Mont Kiara.

However scattered over the city, Kuala Lumpur offers some great art expositions, and any art loving traveler will be pleasantly triggered here.