DISCOVERING and appreciating art should not come with a hefty price tag.
Fortunately, the vibrant and culturally rich Klang Valley is host to numerous art galleries that can be visited without an entrance fee.
These art galleries provide a wide range of modern artworks and intriguing crafts, giving art lovers a chance to see stunning pieces, all without breaking the bank.
Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply seeking to ignite your creative spark, these venues are guaranteed to fulfil your artistic cravings and leave you mesmerised.
Ilham Gallery appeals to enthusiasts of both modern and contemporary artworks. – Photos: HARITH HISHAM and ONG SOON HIN/The Star
Ilham Gallery
If you are a fan of both modern and contemporary art, a visit to Ilham Gallery would be ideal for you.
Established in 2015, this gallery is renowned not only in the Klang Valley but also across the country as one of the top modern art galleries.
Situated in Ilham Tower, about 150m from Ampang Park LRT station, the gallery occupies the third and fifth floors.
Ilham Gallery offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in arts and culture while gaining insights into the vibrant contemporary art scene in Malaysia.
The gallery has consistently held public art exhibitions and ongoing educational programmes that are open to the general public.
It also stands out from others by including informative labels with each artwork.
These labels contain questions and discussions that are designed to enhance your understanding and encourage active engagement with the art, enabling you to appreciate it on a deeper level.
Drop by the gift shop before leaving to explore a range of locally handmade souvenirs created and designed by artisans from across the country, with the profit gained used in supporting the gallery’s future projects.
Address: Levels 3 and 5, Ilham Tower, 8, Lorong Binjai, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm
G13 Gallery at Kelana Square is one of the few free public art spaces that offer a wide range of artworks in Petaling Jaya.
G13 Gallery
Located in Petaling Jaya, G13 Gallery is a must-visit place for art enthusiasts in the city.
This public gallery, which recently celebrated its 13th anniversary, has established itself as a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talent.
G13 Gallery is known for taking part in regional art fairs, creating opportunities for artists and art lovers to connect.
From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, the gallery’s carefully curated collection presents a diverse range of artistic expressions that are sure to leave a lasting impact.
The gallery offers plenty of room for visitors to explore and fully engage with the captivating world of contemporary art.
The thoughtful arrangement of the space enhances the viewing experience, enabling visitors to appreciate the artwork from different angles and viewpoints.
G13 Gallery continuously presents new and exciting exhibitions, ensuring that there is always something different for people to see and enjoy when they visit again
.Address: GL13, Ground Floor, Block B, Kelana Square, Petaling Jaya
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm
Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery offers a unique blend of history, economics and art, providing visitors with a comprehensive experience.
The art gallery is located on the third floor, which showcases Bank Negara’s art collections.
Within its 10,000sq ft space, visitors can explore a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, drawings and sculptures from Malaysia and other Asean countries.
The gallery takes pride in its rotating exhibition, presenting the artwork collection spanning from early masters such as Mohd Hoessein Enas, Chuah Thean Teng and Syed Ahmad Jamal to contemporary young artists.
The collection shows how the country’s art scene has grown over time and demonstrates the bank’s strong support for the arts.For art and cultural enthusiasts, a visit to Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery is an opportunity to dive into the captivating world of Malaysian art and witness Bank Negara’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the country’s artistic heritage.
Address: Sasana Kijang, 2, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm
Segaris Art Centre
When you are at Publika Shopping Gallery, look out for a distinctive sculpture with four legs serving as a distinctive marker for this art gallery.
Segaris Art Centre was originally established to showcase artworks by students and alumni of the Fine Arts department at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) but has shifted and evolved into its own independent commercial art gallery.
While dedicated to promoting works by UiTM-affiliated artists, Segaris Art Centre welcomes talented artists from any educational background and creates its own partnerships and projects.
While it may not be a large gallery, its simplicity adds to its charm and it actively hosts exhibitions from time to time.
Address: Lot No. 8, Level G4, Publika Shopping Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm
Galeri Puteh has emerged as a favoured place for art enthusiasts in the Klang Valley.
Galeri Puteh
If you are using the LRT and exploring Kuala Lumpur, it would be a worthwhile detour to make a stop at Abdullah Hukum LRT station and take a short walk to KL Eco City Mall to visit this gallery.
Located on the third floor of the mall, the gallery is situated in a relatively secluded area, creating a serene ambience that allows visitors to appreciate the artworks on display.
Despite being relatively new to the art gallery scene, Galeri Puteh has quickly emerged as a favourite place for art enthusiasts to explore.
This modest art gallery actively supports and promotes the artworks of local artists as it not only provides a platform for them to display their works but also facilitates engagement with the community in the world of visual arts.
Address: L3-01, Level 3, KL Eco City Mall, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Open Tuesday till Sunday from 10am to 7pm
KL City Art Gallery offers a wide variety of art styles, ranging from fine art paintings to sculptures.
KL City Art Gallery
Situated within the KL Jazz & Arts Centre, KL City Art Gallery serves as a prominent symbol of creative expression in Kuala Lumpur.
It stands out for its thought-provoking exhibitions that tackle pressing issues.
The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions with themes centred around current challenges such as climate change and the conservation of endangered species.
These exhibitions, through the power of art, raise awareness and initiate meaningful conversations about critical topics.
They invite visitors to engage with important global issues while also appreciating the art presented in the gallery.
The gallery also goes beyond exhibitions and offers a variety of art workshops and classes, providing an excellent opportunity for both beginners and enthusiasts to learn new artistic techniques and explore their creativity.
Address: Wisma YPR 1, Jalan Syed Putra, Taman Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6.30pm
