lifestyle

KL's Art Scene Is A Mix Of Traditional Heritage And Modern Fun. Check Out These 5 Places

Go on an 'Artful Discovery' this month!

Cover image via Jadi Batek Gallery/@ching3960 Instagram

This Spotlight is sponsored by CENDANA.

Looking for cool things to do in the city during the school holidays?

Image via Giphy

If you're into both traditional and modern art, music, and performances, then this is definitely for you!

Bandar Aktiviti Seni KL (BAS KL) is inviting you to experience the best art destinations, galleries, attractions, and museums in Kuala Lumpur

Kicking off this March school holidays, it's the perfect opportunity to bring the kids on an exploration of our rich heritage in arts and crafts during the school holidays.

BAS KL is introducing a digital passport to help you on your art discovery journey through the city, and rewarding you with prizes once you collect a minimum of two stamps!

Here's how it works:
1. Visit any of the participating art destinations
2. Scan the available QR code at the destination and receive a digital stamp on your passport!

Campaign period: 17 March - 1 April

Image via CENDANA

With these stamps, you'll be able to redeem special prizes, including a free drink from Tealive, a RM20 voucher from KFC, and even be in the running to win a 2D1N stay at KL Journal Hotel!

Details for redemption will be sent to the e-mail address used to create your BAS KL account upon collecting the required amount of stamps :)

However the best reward of all is being able to visit the amazing art destinations KL has to offer. Here are 5 of the must-see destinations:

1. Jadi Batek Gallery - the largest one-stop batik and handicrafts center in Kuala Lumpur

Located right in the heart of the city centre, the Jadi Batek Gallery is easily accessible and the free admission includes a guided walk.

Both batik demonstrations and batik classes are available throughout the day. Plus, you can pick up beautiful gifts and souvenirs.

Jadi Batek Gallery
Opening Times:
 9am-5.30pm | Monday-Sunday
Contact: 03-2110 0413
Location: 30, Jalan Inai, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: Free

Website | Facebook

2. Illusion 3D Art Gallery - take crazy photos with these realistic paintings and experience augmented reality scenes too!

A post shared by Ching Tin (@ching3960) on

This is the first 3D art museum in Kuala Lumpur city centre. Enjoy a world of illusion with hand-painted art by talented artists. Then step into the AR arena to come face-to-face with the unexpected!

Illusion 3D Art Gallery
Opening Times:
10am-8pm | Monday - Sunday
Contact: 03-2022 1613
Location: Lot 4.01-4.03 Level 2, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, KL
Admission Fee: RM33 - Adult, RM15 - Child

Facebook

3. Ilham Gallery - get inspired by the exhibitions of modern and contemporary Malaysian art

Image via Ilham Gallery

Ilham is a public art gallery that is committed to supporting the development and understanding of art. The displays centre around modern and contemporary Malaysian art.

The gallery provides guided tours as well as hosting public talks and musical performances. 

Ilham Gallery (open from 26 March 2018)
Opening Times:
11am-7pm | Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm | Sunday, closed on Mondays
Contact: +60321813003
Location: No. 8 Jalan Binjai, Off Persiaran KLCC
Admission: Free

Website | Facebook

4. RIUH - a creative platform that includes both cultural and pop performances, live acts, good food, and pop-up stores featuring local artisans

RIUH is a monthly event that features a curation of pop-up stores, creative workshops, showcases, and live performances. Past highlights include 'The Sate Dance' by Anak Seni Asia Production, 'Joget' by ASK Company, and workshops and performances by Fusion Wayang Kulit.

RIUH
Date: 24-25 March 2018
Time: 10am-9pm
Contact:
 [email protected]
Location: APW, Jalan Riong, Bangsar
Admission: Free

Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. Kuala Lumpur City Gallery - learn the history of KL through prints, photos, and architectural miniature models

Located in the historical enclave of Dataran Merdeka, the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is a great place to experience the history of KL through different mediums. The gallery showcases nine innovative exhibits and is home to the largest KL skyline wood-veneer mural in the world.

The highlight of the gallery is the massive Kuala Lumpur City Model. With over 5,000 miniature buildings that were hand-assembled, this model showcases the city's past, present, and future through a spectacular lights and sounds show.

Image via KL City Gallery

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
Opening Times:
 9am-6.30pm | Monday-Sunday
Contact: 03-2698 3333
Location: No. 27, Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka
Admission: RM5

Website | Facebook

With loads of destinations to explore, you'll never run out of things to do!

Image via My News Hub

Here are some of the participating art destinations:

  • Jadi Batek Gallery
  • Lost in Chinatown
  • Illusion 3D Art Museum KL
  • Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
  • Ilham Gallery (Closed until 25 March. Resumes 26 March.)
  • Petronas Gallery (Closed until 19 March. Resumes 20 March.)
  • Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
  • Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
  • RIUH (24-25 March only.)
  • Bank Negara Malaysia Museum And Gallery
  • Carcosa Seri Negara
  • Islamic Arts Museum
  • MaTiC
  • Balai Seni Negara
Get the full list destinations, including opening times, dates, and admission fees, here

You also stand a chance to win a meet & greet museum tour and hi-tea experience with BAS KL's celebrity ambassador - Siti Saleha

A post shared by SITI SALEHA (@sallywho) on

Meet the popular actress and model, while enjoying the vibrant arts scene in KL! Follow @cendanamalaysia and @sallywho on Instagram to find out more ;) 

Bring your family and friends on an 'Artful Discovery' of Kuala Lumpur with BAS KL now!

Image via CENDANA

Get more artsy content here:

Got cool news to share?

Image via SAYS

Here's the latest brand buzz in Malaysia: