National Art Gallery

Overview

The National Art Gallery of Malaysia (Balai Seni Negara) is housed in a striking building that blends Malay motifs with modernist architecture on Jalan Temerloh. Its permanent collection includes over 4,000 works tracing modern and contemporary Malaysian art.

Highlights

• Permanent gallery: Works by pioneers like Latiff Mohidin, Ibrahim Hussein, and Syed Ahmad Jamal.
• Sculpture garden: Outdoor installations set among tropical landscaping.
• Rotating exhibitions: International contemporary art shows curated in partnership with regional galleries.

History

Established in 1958—just one year after independence—the gallery moved to its current purpose-built premises in 1998 on the edge of the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens.

Visitor Tips

• Free admission: No charge for permanent galleries; special exhibitions may have a fee.
• Combine: Walk to the adjacent Titiwangsa Lake Gardens for a lakeside stroll.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.