In Kuala Lumpur, Visitors will find no shortage of art galleries and venues offering unique pieces of Malaysian artwork. A melting pot of cultures from throughout Asia, the city’s art galleries feature those from not only Malay artists but also Chinese, the Middle East, and from across the region. Both traditional and modern art is widely available for art buffs, with visitors advised to map out visits to galleries across the city.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM)
Opened in 1998, the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia is the largest museum of Islamic arts in Southeast Asia. Visitors can enjoy more than 7000 unique artifacts from around the world, all with Islamic significance. A total of twelve gallery spaces are spread across two levels. The first level is focused on architecture, while the second level houses arms, armor, textiles and various pieces of jewelry. Covering more than 30,000 square meters, the museum façade combines modern styling with elements of traditional Islamic architecture. It is conveniently located a short walk from the Kuala Lumpur railway station.
Address: Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2092 7070/2274 2020
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 09:30 – 18:00
Admission Cost:
– Below 6yrs old: Free
– Students (with ID): RM7
– 7yrs & above: RM14
– 60yrs & above (Malaysians): RM7
Website
National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Negara)
Located in the northern part of Kuala Lumpur, the National Art Gallery is next to the Istana Budaya. Opened as the Balai Seni Lukis Negara in 1958, the gallery’s most special exterior is sealed with a blue-glass pyramid. Meant as a repository for Malaysia’s visual arts, it holds more than 4000 unique works of art by both Malaysian and foreign artists. Visitors will find a variety of styles, with batik and pop art being most popular. In addition to its ongoing displays, the gallery hosts temporary exhibitions as well as classes and workshops. Various paintings are also available for purchase.
Address: No. 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, 53200, Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +603 – 4025 4990
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 10:00 – 18:00
– (Closed between 12:15 – 14:45 on Fridays)
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Wei Ling Gallery
Located in the Brickfields neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur, the Wei Ling Gallery was established in 2002 to promote modern works of art by Malaysian artists. Its pieces on display are contemporary in style. Visitors will find exhibitions that include drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, electronic media and more. Alongside artwork, the gallery doubles up as a publisher of artist’s books—the largest of its kind in Malaysia. In addition to the main gallery, the owners manage several more spaces including Wei Ling Contemporary at The Gardens Mall and an art space at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang.
Address: No.8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 – 2260 1106
Operating Hours:
– Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
– Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Admission Cost:
Free of charge
Website
