Balai Seni Lukis Negara also known as the National Art Gallery of Malaysia is based in Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, and only a stones throw away from the National Theater and the National Library. The National Art Gallery was launched on the 28th of August 1958 by the first Prime Minister of independent Malaysia – Tunku Abdul Rahman, with only 4 artworks to exhibit within its makeshift premises at Malaysiaâs first Parliament. Currently the National Art Gallery claims to house more than 2500 masterpieces of artists originating from both local and international arena in its permanent abode, which was officially inaugurated by the premier of Malaysia – Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammed. The National Art Gallery boasts of a unique style, blending native motifs harmoniously with contemporary architecture, and claiming to a floor area of 13,000 sq m. The gallery serves as a repository for aesthetic creations and also hosts many events such as art competitions, seminars and workshops for professionals and students alike. In addition the gallery has also set its sights on preserving, developing, exploring as well as experimenting diverse aspects of Malaysian artistry. The gallery is open to you from 10am to 6pm daily, and the entrance is free of charge. You can conveniently arrive there by hiring a taxi or boarding a bus or train from the city of Kuala Lumpur. The National Art Gallery also provides numerous services to the visitors through its sculpture garden, photographic and graphic studio, creative center, library, auditorium, restoration area, outdoor exhibition area, book shop and the cafe. Being under the administration of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Malaysia, the National Art Gallery acts as the official art institution of Malaysia, sustaining and promoting aesthetic awareness among the general public. The National Art Gallery is encircled by shopping malls, museums, parks, memorials and restaurants all located within a 4km radius from the galleryâs premises. You can choose to spend your nights conveniently at a budget hotel in Kuala Lumpur amongst the many hotels dotting the area like Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur. These budget hotels of Kuala Lumpur offer various facilities and services making you feel more at home during your stay in this aesthetically rich city.
Posts Tagged ‘Art Institution’
National Art Gallery – Discover… Explore… Discern… Relish.
December 20th, 2009Auckland Art Gallery
December 11th, 2009The principal art gallery in Auckland, New Zealand, this venue features the most extensive collection of national and international art in New Zealand. The gallery was established in 1888 and was the first permanent art gallery in New Zealand. It still remains the largest art institution in the country to date, and features a collection that numbers over 12,500 pieces of artwork. The gallery consists of two different buildings, the original building is known as the Main Gallery while the new gallery is located opposite. The Main Gallery opened as the city’s free Public Library and Municipal Offices. It was only later on in that same year that a section that was dedicated to art was opened. Over time the prominence of the art gallery and its popularity lead it to take over the entire building which had been enlarged while the city library and municipal offices had moved to a nearby building. Because of its historic origins the building proudly demonstrates itself as an impressively powerful structure featuring grand old style architecture. One of the strongest components of this regal quality is the impressive and enormous clock tower that is the highest point of the building. The New Gallery that is located directly opposite was opened in 1995 and was originally designed to function as a telephone exchange. However after some intensive remodeling was undertaken the building was fit for usage as a contemporary art gallery. The art gallery like many other institutions of its kind regularly hosts different exhibitions that relate to different themes created by various artists. In addition there are also special programs that only require the payment of the standard exhibition fee but involve special meetings with artists, discussions with industry experts and more. Staying in one of the Auckland hotels that is located nearby this destination such as Langham Hotel Auckland allows guests to easily access this destination and several others that are located in the area.
