Kota Kinabalu boasts many art galleries in and around the city center. With mostly local artists on show, pieces focus on the culture and history of Kota Kinabalu, Borneo and its people. Galleries favor a panoply of artistic works such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, antiques and more. There is also a gallery dedicated to art sculpted from agarwood, a rare material sought for its many health benefits.
Sabah Art Gallery
Founded in 1984, the Sabah Art Gallery began as a collection of art pieces. In time, it became an on-the-move exhibition at various locations throughout Kota Kinabalu. In 2012, the gallery found its permanent home in a building known as the Sabah Art Gallery Conservation Centre. The first green building of its type in Kota Kinabalu, the structure’s design takes inspiration from various geometric shapes and patterns, giving it distinct personality. The gallery houses a mix of modern art collections that feature artists known in Kota Kinabalu and the region. Artwork often reflects on the life of Malays as well as historical art, photographs and more. Continuing with tradition, the gallery regularly hosts traveling exhibitions that feature local artists: many of whom are presenting their work for the first time.
Address: No. 14, Jalan Shantung, 88300, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 268 748
Operating Hours:
– Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission Cost:
Locals
– 7 – 12yrs old: RM2
– 13yrs old & above: RM5
– Students: RM3
– Senior Citizens & Special Needs: Free
Foreigners
– 7 – 12yrs old: RM10
– 13yrs old & above: RM15
– Senior Citizens & Special Needs: Free
Website
Proart Digital Fine Art Production & Gallery
This working art production factory and gallery are located in the industrial center of Kota Kinbalu in Kolombong, Inanam. The art gallery focuses on works inspired by the digital age and showcases works of art from both local and overseas creators. The location the gallery is located includes two levels and more than 2,000 square feet of space. The gallery’s site was previously used a warehouse space, offering ample area for audiences to engage with the many artworks that have been developed to encourage both creativity and experimentation.
Address: No. 10, Lorong Terap 1, 88450, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 424 878
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
– Sunday: Closed
Admission:
– Free of charge
Website
ShengDao Agarwood Art Gallery
Only 15 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, this gallery appreciates unique pieces of art fashioned from agarwood. It includes more than 7,000 square feet of space filled with sculptures made from Borneo’s natural agarwood. A type of wood famous for its believed health benefits, the gallery splits into a museum gallery, as well as an exhibition hall with ongoing events and special shows in honor of the agarwood craft. Visitors can also browse the on-site gift shop that includes objects made from agarwood to be taken home, including bracelets, oils, powders and fragrances.
Address: Unit F-18, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6014 – 329 8100
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm (including public holidays)
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
