The National Art Gallery was founded in Kuala Lumpur in 1958, immediately after the country gained independence. The need for such a cultural center was obvious for Malaysia, which had long remained a colony of the British Empire. Now Malaysians had the opportunity not only to express their vision of the world through art, but also to show their rich creative potential to everyone interested.
The National Gallery is located next to the lovely Lake Titiwangsa, not far from which the National Theatre and the National Library are also located. Everything beautiful is in one place, which is very convenient for tourists.
Outwardly, the gallery building looks modest and very elegant; the structure was built in the traditional Malay style with the inclusion of строгих modern lines. The three-story complex cost the government 40 million ringgit. There are only seven galleries here, several cafes, and outdoor exhibition spaces.
The National Gallery's collection contains about 3000 works of art by renowned Malaysian and foreign masters - painters, sculptors, and photographers. A large collection of ceramics, textiles, and printed publications is also presented here. Some of the exhibitions are permanent, while others are regularly updated, providing a chance for virtuosos of Malaysia and Southeast Asia to show their works.
