Travelers have different objectives when they travel.  Itineraries will always be different and people would have different preferences:  a) mode of transportation - by air or by land  b) level of luxury – first class, business class or
economy class c) food choices –  conventional or exotic d) type of activities – slow paced or extreme and e) places to visit – beaches, temples or galleries.

If you are the artsy type and in the lookout for great art finds then you will not be disappointed if you decide to choose Malaysia as your travel destination. There are quite a number of galleries to visit that will surely keep you
busy for a full day or more.

ARTFOLIO
Lot T130 A and B, Third Floor, Letter Box 172, City Square, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone Number: +603 2162 3339
Operating Hours:  11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); closed on Sundays
Admission Fee:   FREE

If you go to the City Square then you can surely include a quick visit to the Artfolio in your list of places to visit.  Items that are on display in this gallery all capture the essence and beauty of Asian culture as expressed by Asian
artists.  You will lose track of time as you walk around the gallery and appreciate delicate ceramics and paintings.

NATIONAL ART GALLERY
Address:  Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Abdul Razak
Telephone Number: +603 4025 4989/90
Operating Hours:  10:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed from 12:15 pm – 2:45 pm every Friday)
Admission Fee:  FREE
Website:  http://www.artgallery.gov.my/

The National Art Gallery of Malaysia (Balai Seni Lukis Negara) is located at Jalan Temerloh near the National Library and the National Theatre.  You will find it north of the city center.  It was built by the first Prime Minister of
Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, back in August 1958.  Its operation is supervised by the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism of Malaysia.

You can get to the National Art Gallery by taking the LRT Titiwangsa Station or by riding a taxi.  The gallery is just five minutes away from the KLCC by car.

This particular gallery promotes the artworks of local and foreign artists that total around 2, 500 pieces including priceless historical pieces, sculptures, textile art, etc.  It is made up of five sub galleries that house temporary and
permanent exhibits, art competitions, workshops and different seminars.  One gallery is referred to as the Resource Center which houses an archive of the works of Malaysian artists.  There are internet facilities plus an Artscafe
where visitors can avail of some snacks and refreshments.  The other four galleries are occupied by the creative gallery, administrative centre, workshop, and the auditorium.

If you have a particular interest in theatrical performances then you can proceed to the Istana Budaya, the National Theater, which is located next to the National Art Gallery.  The Istana Budaya is where most theatrical shows like
the opera, classical concerts, musicals, performances of local and world-renowned artists are held.

PUCUK REBUNG MUSEUM GALLERY
A Gallery and Private Museum of Malaysian Art and Heritage
Address:  Level 3, Ampang Mall Wing, Suria, KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone Number:  +603 2382 1109
Operating Hours:  11:00 – 6:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Admission Fee:  FREE

The Pucuk Rebung Museum Gallery is located at the third level of the Ampang Mall of Suria KLCC.  The best way for you to reach the place is by taking the Putra LRT and stop at the KLCC Station.  From here, you can simply follow the
directional signages and it will only take you around five or so minutes to get to the entrance.  Of course, you can always take a taxi cab from your hotel.

The Pucuk Rebung Museum Gallery’s primary objective is to advertise Malaysian heritage not only to locals but most especially among foreign visitors who care to pay a visit.  Once you enter the gallery, you will immediately be
mesmerized the by huge collection of art items that dates back to the 12the century like unique jewelery items, intricately designed porcelain, crystals, glassware, pretty fabrics, photographs, etc.

There are even items for sale so if you are a collector then you should not pass up the chance to bring home something for your own treasure trove.

PETRONAS GALLERY
Level 3, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50888 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone Number:  +603 2051 7770
Operating Hours:  10:00 am – 8:00 pm (closed on Monday)
Admission Fee:  FREE
Website:  http://www.petronas.com.my/galeri/gpcontent.nsf/frmset_home?OpenFrameset

Another must-visit gallery is the Petronas Gallery (Galeri Petronas) which is conveniently located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.  It was established in 1993 by the Malaysian company Petroliam Nasional
Berhad (Petronas) to advertise and preserve Malaysian art, culture and tradition.

This modern gallery is a favorite venue for exhibits for art forms belonging to different genres by local artists, international artists and global organizations.  Its collection is composed of about 1000 pieces like precious drawings,
paintings, sculptures, indigenous costumes, fabrics, porcelain, ceramics, etc.

As mentioned earlier, travelers will have different preferences as well when it comes to accommodations.  If you are budget conscious then you can stay at the Brisdale Hotel Kuala Lumpur which is located at Jalan Haji Hussein
off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.  But if money is not an issue then by all means, stay in a 5 – star hotel like the Impiana KLCC Hotel and Spa Kuala Lumpur.  This exquisite hotel that gives impeccable service is conveniently located at Jalan Pinang which is adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

You can go back to your hotel and recharge for another day of great finds and exciting discoveries in wonderful Malaysia.

Posted in Malaysia, Things to do

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