Kuala Lumpur Art Galleries

(Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory, Malaysia)

Within Kuala Lumpur are a number of very impressive art galleries. One of the oldest and most established of all the galleries within Kuala Lumpur is without question the acclaimed National Art Gallery, which is close to Lake Titiwangsa and was actually founded in the late 1950s, boasting fine Malay art and a very unusual modern structure, built with a combination of glass, metal and slate.

Holding an important place in Islamic history, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia was actually the very first art gallery of its kind to open in the entire region and is dedicated to nothing other than classic Islamic art. The building itself is particularly impressive and stands out in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the very best in Islamic design, with a series of very eye-catching domes. As well as paintings and stylish sculptures, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also home to literally thousands of artefacts and ceramics, along with an onsite shop.

Islamic Arts Museum

Address: Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 03 2274 2020
Culture vultures looking to learn more about the Islamic world in Kuala Lumpur should check out the Islamic Arts Museum, which features some fine exhibits on Islamic artefacts, texts, porcelain, and even weaponry. The museum is also the seat of Islamic learning in Kuala Lumpur and has permanent and visiting exhibits.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discount for children

National Art Gallery

Address: 2 Jalan Temerloh, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 03 4025 4990
Housed in the former Majestic Hotel building, which was built in 1932, the restored National Art Gallery features lots of contemporary works by Malay artists. The well-established gallery also exhibits lots of photographic displays and prominent works by other Asian artists as well as international exhibitions. Popular workshops and courses also go on here.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Asian Art Museum

Address: Lembah Pantai, University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 03 7967 7022
Serving as an important part of the University of Malaya campus, the Asian Art Museum is spread over three floors and dedicated to local Asian art of various mediums. It is said that this particular museum actually contains the world's biggest collection of 'kendi' water vessels. Also of note are the stone carvings and the colourful paintings, many of which were created by local Malaysian artists. Guided tours are always available if required.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge

AP Art Gallery

Address: G39 Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 03 2274 6724
The local scenery around Kuala Lumpur often serves as the inspiration for many local artists and this is certainly reflected within the paintings frequently displayed at the AP Art Gallery, which depict everything from bustling markets to tranquil village life. This is a commercial art shop offering a range of very inexpensive unframed canvasses, which can be easily rolled up and popped in your suitcase! There are also some nice postcards here as well.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Art Case Gallery

Address: 303 Jalan Ampang, 7 Great Eastern Mall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 03 4257 4007
The Art Case Gallery is easy to find, being conveniently located within the city's Golden Triangle area. Founded in the early part of the 1990s, this commercial gallery is privately owned and actively promotes young, up-and-coming artists from this region of Malaysia. Exhibitions are regularly changing, ensuring that the art works for sale remain fresh and current.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 21:00
Admission: free

Valentine Willie Fine Art

Address: 17 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 03 2284 2348
Situated within the Bangsar neighbourhood, the Valentine Willie Fine Art houses a permanent collection of art works, which tend to be of a distinctive contemporary nature. Most of the paintings tend to originate within Malaysia and south-eastern Asia, and number around 400 in total, including several masterpieces. Various workshops and lectures often take place here.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 12:00 to 20:00, Saturday - 12:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge