Kuching’s art galleries and institutions serve as platforms for local artists to display and promote their works. Visitors seeking to understand the local Borneo art scene will find plenty of opportunity to browse private and public collections in Kuching’s city center. Some galleries offer guided tours, while others allow visitors to browse at their own pace.
Saradise Gallery
This living gallery is part of larger housing and development project. The gallery was developed to showcase and promote local culture and arts to both residents and visitors. A key aspect of the development’s master plan, Saradise Gallery actively recruits young and up-and-coming local artists and designers. The key feature of all artworks in the gallery is that is showcases works that display creative that represents Sarawak. The gallery holds regular exhibitions and events that bring the general public closer to local artists and Sarwakian culture.
Address: Saradise Sdn Bhd., Level 1, Titanium Tower, Lot 1, Brighton Square, Jalan Song, 93350 Kuching
Phone: +6082 – 285 799
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
MBKS Pictorial Gallery
In the center of Kuching, this pictorial gallery documents the history of Borneo from the days of colonialization through to the independence of Malaysia. Visitors will be able to browse artefacts, artwork, photographs and other items related to the island’s history. The gallery fits into more than 1,000 square meters of space. Guided tours are available, but not required, with many of the exhibits providing detailed explanations in English. The gallery alternates the exhibits and themes, ensuring visitors can enjoy a one-off experience each time they visit.
Address: MBKS, Jalan Padungan, 93675 Kuching
Phone: +6082 – 354 200
Operating Hours:
– Monday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
– Tuesday – Friday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
– Saturday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
– Sunday: Closed
Admission:
– Free of charge
Website
Hoan Gallery
This private art gallery was originally conceptualized as the Kuching Art Club in 1949. The club’s purpose was to promote art from the Western world throughout the region. While much of the original gallery was destroyed in a fire, the surviving gallery promotes itself as a ‘mirror from the past’ for original works of art, inspired by Western artistic styles and mostly created by local artists. In addition, the gallery highlights mediums such as vases, textbooks and scripts from the 1950s, and Chinoiserie works. Many famous contemporary artists have work on display at the gallery, including Leonard Siaw and Hoan Kee Huang.
Address: Level 3, Unit 8, La Promenade Mall, Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, 93400 Kota Samarahan
Phone: +6017 – 854 5651
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
