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Kuala Lumpur, a city that we all so love. Plenty to see, eat, and not to mention the epic nightlife. Kuala Lumpur may not be the oldest city around but that in no way means that it lacks heritage and objects of value. The city is known for being a booming and cultural centre, with plenty of galleries and museums that reflect the rich and artistic history of Malaysia. Whether you’re an avid art collector or someone who just wants to soak up in some culture for the present moment, be sure to head to some of the best galleries the city holds for an artsy adventure never to be forgotten.
WEI LING GALLERY
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Since the opening of its main location in 2005, this gallery has been known to be one the premier spaces to find leading contemporary local and international art. The Wei Ling Gallery was founded by Yohan Rajan and Lim Wei Ling and showcases paintings, architecture, designs, drawings, sculptures and photography which has most of its roots in colonial history. Since its vast success, the gallery branched out to Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur, as well as a third location in Penang, with all three locations holding a unique display and concept of their own. As the largest contemporary art gallery in Malaysia, the Wei Ling Gallery hosts 12 exhibitions annually and features many renowned Malaysian and international artists. They are also the largest publisher of art books and catalogs in Malaysia.
Address: Wei Ling Gallery, 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
Gallery Hours: Mon to Fri – 10am to 6pm; Sat – 10am to 5pm ; Sun – Closed
Contact: +60 3 2260 1106
Website: weiling-gallery.com
GALERI CHANDAN
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I’m sure that most of you enjoy your weekend trips to the mall. Perhaps unknown to many, Galeri Chandan in Publika Shopping Gallery is one of the front runners in pushing contemporary art into the public sphere. It aims to fully focus on cultural and architecture dimensions, as well as arts and crafts by combining the works of Malaysians working on a diverse variety rather than just operating as a commercial gallery. Promoting art works across a variety of media, Galeri Chandan is committed to the advancements of contemporary arts in Malaysia and also aims to be a leading body in supporting Malaysian artists.
Publika Shopping Gallery, Lot 24 & 25 (G4), Block C5, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Gallery Hours: Tues to Sun – 10am to 7pm; Mon – Closed
Contact: +60 3-6201 5360
Website: galerichandan.com
TAKSU KUALA LUMPUR
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The TAKSU gallery has been said to be one of South East Asia’s leading contemporary art dealers – they are the undisputed pioneers in the Malaysian contemporary art scene, going all the back to 1989. The art showcased have a strong urban edge and the body has advocated some very talented individuals ranging from renowned artists the industry has to offer to upcoming and promising young talents. The gallery, situated in Kuala Lumpur, also extends their services to consultations to collectors, and operates workshops and lectures by the artists themselves. With its intercultural focus, TAKSU gallery is an artistic powerhouse that even provides curatorial expertise for art exhibitions.
Address: 17 Jalan Pawang, 54000, Kuala Lumpur
Gallery hours: Monday to Saturday 10am – 7pm (closed on Sundays or by appointment only)
Contact: +60 3 4251 4394
Website: taksu.com
ARTEMIS ART
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Artemis Art began operating in November 2011 and is wholly owned by Artemis Corporation Sdn Bhd and their primary focal point is promotion young and emerging Malaysian artists. It was started with the aim of helping deserving, struggling artists find a place in the industry. Artemis Art represents young and promising artists by exposing their art across Asia and as a cultural hub for many mediums of art, it also features individual art, group exhibitions, book launches, literature and cultural workshops for a deeper community reach.
Address: Lot 21 & 22 Level G4 Publika@Dutamas, Block C5 Solaris Dutamas, No. 1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 1am to 7pm ; Sundays 12pm to 6pm ; Mondays & PH By appointment
Telephone: +60 3 6211-1891
Website: artemisartgallery.com
RICHARD KOH FINE ART
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Another pioneer in the world of contemporary art, the Richard Koh Fine Art also boasts a truly adventurous listing of emerging local artists. The gallery is wholly dedicated to showcasing contemporary delights , both locally and abroad within the SEA region. The private art gallery and exhibition studio in Bangsar, in celebrating its 10th anniversary has opened a second gallery in Jalan Maarof and regularly holds exhibitions both locally and abroad with a commitment to emerging practices and challenging media.
Address: 229 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Gallery Hours: Tue to Sat 10am – 7pm (by appointment)
Contact: : +603 2095 3300
Website: rkfineart.com
NATIONAL VISUAL ARTS GALLERY
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The National Visual Arts Gallery is one exhibition to not miss out on. The entire building also comprises the National Theatre and the National Library. The serene compound is also known as the Balai Seni Visual Negara, although KL-lites prefer to call the complex ‘National Art Gallery’. The building is one many would consider extraordinary; being the premier venue for the country’s theatre, opera and entertainment, it holds more than 4,000 pieces crafted by local artists. This 40 million complex is spread out to over 3 floors and has multiple galleries as well as outdoor exhibition areas.
Address: 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur
Gallery Hours: Daily, 10am to 6pm
Contact: +603 4025 4990
Website: www.artgallery.gov.my