National Art Gallery
National Art Gallery (Malay: Balai Seni Lukis) has a unique architecture
which is inspired by the traditional Malay architecture and incorporated with
contemporary touch to it makes the gallery one of the most modern art venues in
the region.
Under the initiative of the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman,
the National Art Gallery was established on 28th August 1958. The gallery had a
humble beginning of only four artworks which were donated and was housed at a
borrowed space at the Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman before the gallery was located at
its current permanent location.
As of today, there are over 2500 pieces of artwork which are permanently housed
in the gallery.
There are also rotation of exhibitions of Asian and international art at the
gallery. Built with aesthetic value and practicality in mind, the art gallery
creates space and opportunity for development, preservation, experimentation and
exploration of various forms of art in Malaysia.
It is the hub for the gathering of arts, crafts and cultural items. Beside the
National Art Gallery is the National Theatre (Istana Budaya) which is the main
venue for many local and international performances like musical theatre,
operetta, opera and so on.
The National Theatre was initiated to heighten the standard of performing arts,
to encourage high quality theatre productions, to develop artistic excellence in
theatre and also to cultivate artistic appreciation towards performing arts.
Contact Information
No. 2, Jalan Temerloh
Off Jalan Tun Razak
53200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +603 4025 4990 / 4026 7000
Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (daily)
Getting There
The National Art Gallery is located at Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak. The
easiest way to get to the National Art Gallery is via taxi or driving here.
You can also reach the Gallery via the RapidKL LRT (Ampang Line) and stop at the
Titiwangsa Station. Upon disembark the station, you can take a taxi to the
National Art Gallery.
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