With World Art Day arriving this April 15th, what’s better than paying a visit to one of the art galleries and appreciating the artists’ works on display? From paintings using different art mediums to photographs and sculptures, below is our list of 10 art galleries to visit in Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.
1) National Art Gallery @ Jalan Tun Razak, KL
A visit to an art gallery in Malaysia wouldn’t be complete without making your way to the National Art Gallery a.k.a. Balai Seni Negara. The gallery’s three levels house different art galleries, beginning with the first floor’s permanent collection of reputable Malaysian artists’ works. The second and third floors immerse you in a mix of temporary, private and up-and-coming artworks from batik art to pop art, sculptures and photographs. The National Art Gallery opens from 9 am to 5 pm daily and best of all, admission is free.
Address: Lembaga Pembangunan Seni Visual Negara, 2, Jalan Temerloh off Jalan Tun Razak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur.
2) Ilham Gallery @ Jalan Binjai, KL
Strategically located in the middle of Kuala Lumpur with multiple easy accesses via car, MRT, LRT and even KL Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus, Ilham Gallery focuses mainly on Malaysian modern and contemporary art pieces. The collection extends from drawing to painting, sculpture and batik art. The gallery also displays artworks from different countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand. Art lovers can look forward to current exhibitions and programmes. Ilham Gallery opens from Tuesdays to Saturdays (11 am – 7 pm) and Sundays (11 am – 5 pm). Admission is free and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on the 5th floor if you are interested in purchasing some of the well-curated gifts and souvenirs back home.
Address: Levels 3 & 5, Ilham Tower, No 8, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
3) G13 Gallery @ Kelana Square, PJ
The PJ’s Kelana Square is home to the G13 Gallery, presenting visitors with its collection of contemporary art pieces from local and international artists. You will find various artworks created using the likes of acrylic, oil, glow pigments and mixed media. G13 Gallery also features exhibitions and projects so do keep an eye out for updates on its website or social media. G13 Gallery opens from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 am – 5 pm while admission is free.
Address: GL13, Ground Floor, Block B, Kelana Square, SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
4) Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia @ Jalan Lembah Perdana, KL
Discover the diverse collections of Islamic art with 12 permanent galleries displayed across two floors at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM). The galleries allow you to witness curated art pieces of different forms, covering paintings to architecture, arms & armour and textiles. You can also look forward to other fascinating galleries such as manuscripts & Qur’an from as early as the 8th century, coins & seals, ceramics and jewellery. The IAMM opens from 9.30 am to 6 pm daily while tickets can be purchased at the Customer Service counter on the lobby level. Admissions are RM 20 for adults & non-Malaysian senior citizens, RM 10 for students & Malaysian senior citizens while children under 6 years old are free of charge.
Address: Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
5) Alive 3D Art Gallery @ Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Visiting Segar City in Port Dickson offers a few interesting attractions, one of which includes the Alive 3D Art Gallery. As the name suggests, visitors can explore over 50 interactive illustrations across five different themes. The themes in question include Adventure, Aquarium, Animation, Exotic and Dark Art. Alive 3D Art Gallery opens from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am – 7 pm while admission tickets can be purchased online right here
Address: No 38, 40, Jalan DS 2/1, Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
6) Tham Siew Inn Artist Gallery @ Taman Kota Laksamana, Melaka
Operating since 2001, Tham Siew Inn Artist Gallery’s prime location at the tourist-friendly UNESCO Heritage City in Melaka houses galleries of different artworks across two heritage buildings. Beginning with the lobby level, you can explore selected reproduction artworks and limited-edition prints for sale. The Garden Gallery not only displays beautiful watercolour portraits but also an installation art, complete with interesting items such as potted palms and a repurposed Victorian-era bathtub-turned-fish pond. The rest of the galleries, namely the Portrait Gallery showcases Tham Ze King’s portraits using different art mediums from pencil to pastel, oil and charcoal. Tham Siew Inn Artist Gallery opens from Thursdays to Mondays from 10 am – 6 pm. Admission is free.
Address: 49, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka.
7) 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery @ Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Ipoh
The Ipoh Old Town’s refurbished 1900s-era pre-war shophouses consist of a museum displaying the capital city’s illustrious history through photographs and models. The 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery also showcase various paintings and to make your visit more interesting, consider booking a 45-minute guided tour. As you enjoy the sight of every visual medium on display, you will also learn about Ipoh’s history such as the once-thriving tin industry and the Peranakan community. You also have the option to pick the audio guide tour while exploring the museum. The 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery opens from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm. The admission fee is RM 10 per entry.
Address: 22, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000 Ipoh, Perak.
8) The Art Gallery Penang @ George Town, Penang
The Art Gallery Penang exhibits artworks from A-Z of local and Southeast Asian artists regardless of established or up-and-coming talents. Over the years since its establishment in 1989, the gallery has held over 200 events and exhibitions. Some of the past exhibitions include Eston Tan Homecoming in 2013, Khoo Cheang Jin’s Kopi + O + Peng (Penang Kopitiam Series) in 2018 and the visual art of Rekindle: Alex Leong & Students Group Show in 2024. The Art Gallery Penang also stock a wide range of art books and catalogues for sale. The gallery opens from Fridays to Sundays from 2 pm – 5.30 pm. Do note that viewing is only allowed via appointment. You can WhatsApp 012-604 1434 for further enquiries.
Address: 368-4-8, Bellisa Row, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
9) Hoan Gallery @ Kota Samarahan, Sarawak
Here is where you can appreciate the beautiful art pieces created by past and current Sarawakian artists at Hoan Gallery. The gallery displays artworks in different mediums ranging from acrylic paint to Chinese ink, oil and watercolour. Among the artists include Sheila Kho, David Chew and Marzuki Jamilah, to name a few. Hoan Gallery opens from 9.30 am – 6.30 pm daily. Admission, in the meantime, is free.
Address: HSL Tower, Lorong La Promenade 2, Kuching – Samarahan Expressway, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
10) Sabah Art Gallery @ Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The Sabah Art Gallery’s illustrious history stretches from 1960 to the opening of the gallery conservation building in 2013. Today, the gallery houses different types of art pieces from local and international artists. You will find paintings created using acrylic, pastel/soft pastel, mixed medium, oil and among others. Look out for solo and themed exhibitions from time to time. Sabah Art Gallery opens from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 am – 4 pm. Admission fees are RM 5 for adults (13 years & above), RM 3 for students (with students card) and RM 2 for children aged 7-12. Non-Malaysian citizens are RM 15 and RM 10 for adults and children respectively while senior citizens & special needs can enter for free.
Address: 14, Jalan Shantung, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
