Modern Malaysian art
More than 2,500 works from the 1950s on.
If you want to see how Malaysians see themselves, this is the place. The National Art Gallery holds a permanent collection of more than two and a half thousand works, mostly by Malaysian artists since the 1950s, from paintings that recorded the years of independence to contemporary work on identity and the country's many communities. The present building is on Jalan Tun Razak, next to the Istana Budaya national theatre with its roof drawn from Malay ornament. The galleries are spacious and air-conditioned, and temporary exhibitions change through the year, so you may find a show that was not there the month before. Entry is free for everyone, Malaysians and foreigners alike, which makes it an easy choice for a quiet day away from the crowds. Be honest with yourself, though: it suits people interested in modern art, and anyone after major sights will find it ordinary and not worth a long trip on its own. It is north of the centre on a main road, and easier by taxi than by public transport. Its published hours vary between sources, so check before you go.
More than 2,500 works from the 1950s on.
Temporary exhibitions rotate through the year.
The neighbouring Istana Budaya with its Malay roofline.
Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Istana BudayaMalaysia's national theatre, whose name means Palace of Culture, and the country2 minutes walk
Titiwangsa Lake GardensA large public park around a big lake north of central Kuala Lumpur; the lake wa6 minutes walk
Kampung Baru, the Malay Village in Central Kuala LumpurA genuine Malay village in the heart of the capital, founded in 1899 through a g15 minutes walk
Saloma LinkA 69-metre pedestrian and cycle bridge crossing the Klang River and an expresswa18 minutes walk
Jalan Tuanku Abdul RahmanOne of Kuala Lumpur's oldest shopping streets, known in British times as Batu Ro23 minutes walkProbably not. It is a fine, free gallery for modern-art lovers but not a major sight. With limited time, the Islamic Arts Museum comes first.