Lucie Aurore
Tipped to be one of Asia's cultural heartlands, Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the best museums and art galleries in the region. Here are some of the city's top gallery and museum highlights.
The brainchild of gas and oil mogul Petronas, the Galeri Petronas first opened its doors to the public back in 1993. Occupying pride of place on the ground floor of the Petronas Towers, the gallery is one of Malaysia's top art hubs. Showcasing contemporary art works alongside photographic exhibits the venue highlights the talents of local greats the likes of Abdullah Ariff, Syed Ahmad Jamal and Abdul Latiff Mohidin among others. Hosting many workshops for local artisans the venue also displays seasonal collections that change several times a year.
Tipped to be one of the top venues in the Malaysian capital to explore the contemporary local art scene as well as international works, the Wei Ling Gallery is another coveted art space in Kuala Lumpur. Located in Brickfields, the gallery which was opened in 2005 is the brainchild of Lim Wei Ling and Yohan Rajan. Devoting gallery space to every medium imaginable, the site showcases works of sculpture, architecture, installations design, photography and drawings. Hosting 12 major showcases annually the venue is the best place in KL to witness the work of international artists the likes of Stewart MacFarlane, Amin Gulgee and Nelson Dominguez.
Situated in Jalan Gelenggang, Galeri Chandan is named after Bukit Chandan city centre in the cultural heartland of Perak Malaysia. Inspired by its namesake city, the art space serves as one of the best places to view Malaysian art pieces and indigenous artwork in Kuala Lumpur. Exhibits at Galeri Chandan range from paintings, visual arts, installations, drawings and unusual media as well. 'The Future of Malaysian Art Project' is an initiative idea by the gallery to promote indigenous art in the country.
When it comes to Kuala Lumpur's most prestigious museum there's no other institution quite like the National Museum. Open to visitors from 9am to 6pm daily, the venue serves as the country's foremost museum space. Documenting the history and legacy of the Malaysian story, the museum tops the tourist itineraries of the capital city by no coincidence. Displaying ancient relics and other exhibits related to the country's illustrious past, the site is recognized as the traditional Malay structure on Jalan Damansara with stunning murals on its exterior walls.
As one of the largest and most impressive museum spaces in the Malaysian capital, the Islamic Arts Museum is a cultural landmark located in Jalan Lembah Perdana. Offering visitors an in-depth look at the best artworks hailing from the Middle East, the museum is divided in to 12 galleries each with themed exhibitions devoted to regions of the world. Visitors based at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral or other reputed hotel KL Sentral counts among its finest rests will be within easy reach of the museum.
Located in Jalan Delima, the Jade Museum is a one of a kind institution in Kuala Lumpur as the sparkling institution is a hub for jade creations from ancient times. Containing countless artefacts and other jade items, the museum celebrates the use of 'the stone of heaven' and its relevance in creating jewellery and other artistic pieces in the form of accessories.
