Founded by Malaysia’s first prime minister in 1958, the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara) houses the most complete collection of contemporary Malay art in Malaysia.

Address
No. 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak,
53200 Kuala Lumpur
Details
The National Art Gallery is situated along Jalan Tun Razak between the magnificent Istana Budaya (National Theater) and the National Library, not far from the beautiful Titiwangsa Park.
The gallery’s fascinating building design is a testament to its status as the premier art space in the country.
Besides displaying local artwork, the gallery’s main aim is the promotion of art appreciation especially among the younger generation.
The gallery’s Permanent Collection of the National Visual Arts is intended to reflect the creative and cultural aspirations in the country and also from abroad as well as to conserve, preserve and document them as part of the national heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.
The National Art Gallery, sometimes referred to as Balai Seni Lukis Negara or Balai Seni Visual Negara (National Visual Arts Gallery), also hosts art activities, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and local as well as international competitions.
The entire complex consists of three levels of permanent and temporary expositions consisting of over 2,500 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other visual and applied arts objects in various styles created by artists from across the region.
Also on display are interesting collections of olden day ceramics, a collection of Chinese ink paintings as well as rare prints, photographs, and textiles.
There is also an outdoor exhibition space, a creative center, photo and graphic studios, an auditorium, restoration rooms, sculpture garden, bookstore and café located in the premises.
The on-site library or Art Reference Resource Centre contains over 4,500 books on art by local and international publishers, some going back to the 1960s, as well as biodata on around 500 local artists.
Price/entrance fees
Admission to the gallery is free.
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Opening hours
Monday to Sunday: 10.00am – 6.00pm
Ramadhan working hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha
Guided tours are available but must be applied for beforehand.
Library/Art Reference Resource Centre opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Friday: 9.00am – 12.15pm / 2.45pm – 5.00pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Map
How to get to National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Negara)
The National Art Gallery or Balai Seni Visual Negara is located along Jalan Tun Razak in central Kuala Lumpur. Free parking spaces are available.
By Train
Catch the LRT or Monorail and alight at Titiwangsa LRT/Monorail station.
By Bus
The KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus brings you directly to Balai Seni Lukis Negara. Alternatively, board bus 402 (formerly B114) and disembark at the gallery complex.