Follow the Art: A Journey Through Kuala Lumpur

Follow the Art

CHIN JIAN WEI | 1 April 2026

Getting lost around Petaling Street has its perks – many alleys come with a splash of colour and a ready-made photo op.

KUALA LUMPUR, unbeknownst to some, has a burgeoning art ecosystem. From contemporary galleries pushing new ideas to century-old buildings that carry the marks of time, the city holds a spectrum of creative expression within surprisingly close reach. Art here is not confined to white walls – it spills into back lanes, lives within restored shophouses, and finds its place in everyday public spaces.

This is precisely the spirit that drives Warisan KL – a collective effort to re-energise the capital as a vibrant, people-centred creative hub.

One of the simplest ways to experience this is by moving through the city. A thoughtfully mapped trail can take you from a gallery opening to a mural-lined alley, from a design-forward mall to a heritage building with stories etched into its façade – all within the span of a day. What emerges is not just a checklist of art spaces, but a layered portrait of the city: past and present, formal and informal, curated and spontaneous.

Across the wider Klang Valley, there are, of course, many other galleries worth seeking out – including National Art Gallery, Ilham Gallery, and Wei Ling Gallery – each offering its own perspective on Malaysia’s evolving art scene. But for those looking to explore on foot, the following route brings together a cluster of spaces close enough to experience over a two-day weekend, without needing to venture far.

If you have ever wondered what an itinerary exploring Kuala Lumpur’s art landscape could look like, here’s a sample – one that reflects the many ways art continues to shape, and be shaped by, the city.

+n by UR-MU

Let’s begin at UR-MU, also known as Urban Museum. UR-MU is a series of contemporary art museums, having risen to fame for its collection of eclectic, memorable and oftentimes provocative artwork. There are currently three museums: UR-MU @ Bukit Bintang, UR-MU @ Toffee, Raja Chulan and UR-MU +n @ Tun HS Lee.

+n is the third in its series, and has proven itself worthy of the name. Only a two-minute walk from Central Market, this was once a Chinatown shophouse, but has been reborn as a modern contemporary art gallery.

Currently, the museum features Strategies of Dissent, an exhibition of almost 70 works from famous landscape architect Ng Sek San’s collection. The collection comprises pieces from the 1990s to today, and as the name suggests, features themes of protest and censorship, serving almost as a record of the nation’s complicated relationship with censorship, from dramatic protests to quiet resistance.

Where? 131, 133, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
When? Open from 11am to 7pm, Tuesdays to Sundays

Kwai Chai Hong

Near Petaling Street, there is a little street – Lorong Panggung – tucked away among the cafes and bars. Styled after Chinatown in the 1960s, this place is a treasure trove for those seeking Instagrammable, aesthetic spots. Murals, neon lights and retro architecture really immerse visitors in the golden years of Chinatown.

If you visit during festive periods such as Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, Kwai Chai Hong will likely have special themed art installations. These are different every year and are always worth checking out.

Regardless of the theme, these installations always allow local contemporary artists to shine in their chosen mediums. Examples of said installations include a series of old-fashioned Chinese doors rimmed with neon lights, a Chinese dragon composed of plastic plates, or statues of the Chinese zodiac.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the surrounding streets – Lorong Petaling 4, Jalan Sang Guna, Lorong Bandar 21, and the alleys off Jalan Sultan – as well as they are home to a rich assortment of vibrant street art, brimming with local personality.

Where? Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
When? Open from 9am to midnight, seven days a week

At GMBB, even the foyer refuses to stay the same—blink and you might miss the next art drop.

GMBB

Next up on your trail is the creative community mall, GMBB, located along Jalan Robertson. Many artists call this mall home, and it is indeed home to many galleries and workshops, perfect for visitors looking to have a fun day out trying their hand at sand art, watercolour painting or even more unique activities like Japanese Wagashi or lipstick creation!

Exhibitions running right now are a Fujifilm User Recognition Exhibition, a wildlife photography exhibition featuring pitcher plants, and a 3D art exhibition by Cerikapak called Near-Depth Experience.

For those interested in heritage of indigenous art, Gallery Gerimis showcases work from Orang Asli artists and artisans, and often hosts exhibitions and events where they share knowledge and resources concerning indigenous culture.

Where? 2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
When? GMBB is open daily from 11am to 8pm.

River of Life

As we move from GMBB to our next destination, along the way, we will pass by the River of Life. Near the iconic Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, and Panggung Bandaraya, this is a place steeped in history. Known for the blue lights and atmospheric fog that suffuses its banks at night, the River of Life is also home to a collection of street art.

One highlight is a beautiful three-story wall mural depicting Malaysian life of yesteryear. The monsoon drain walls by the river banks also depict vibrant and highly stylised graffiti murals, a testament to the talent and individuality of our graffiti artist community.

Along the banks, you’ll often find art markets, workshops, urban sketchers and caricature artists at work too! Check @riverbank, @klsketchnation and @makan.buzz for latest updates!

Where? Jalan Benteng, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
When? 6am to midnight, seven days a week

Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery

Moving along to Jalan Dato Onn, we find ourselves at the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum. Most of the building is devoted to numismatic matters, providing educational information to visitors regarding the monetary history of our nation, from old coins from the Malaccan Sultanate to modern technology such as online banking.

However, the highest floor boasts an art gallery currently showcasing a wide range of art under the banners of Dondang Warisan and Gema Selatan. The former showcases historic Melaka in tin mines, fishing villages and street scenes, while the latter features art from Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan, showing how art from the region has been shaped by travel, trade and the passing of history.

Where? Sasana Kijang, 2, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
When? Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays.

Seri Negara

Up next is a historical building, Seri Negara part of the Carcosa Seri Negara complex, located near Taman Tasik Negara. Opened in 1913 and built in a neo-Gothic and Tudor revival style, it was formerly the official residence and guest house of the British Commissioner. The name is a composite of the two colonial mansions there, Carcosa, the residence, and Seri Negara, the guest house.

After Malaysia gained independence, Carcosa Seri Negara has been used as a residence for dignitaries, a hotel, and, since 2017, a museum.

Newly restored by Khazanah Nasional in 2025, now is the best time to visit and see the museum, not just detailing Malaysia’s journey towards independence, but also collecting several beautiful art pieces, part of Galeri Khazanah.

Where? Persiaran Tuanku Ja’afar, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
When? Seri Negara is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesdays to Sundays

The Zhongshan Building

Finally, we end our journey at The Zhongshan Building, located within Kampung Attap. This post-war modernist building was built in the 1950s for the Selangor Zhongshan Association. Nowadays, it is home to a truly diverse melting pot of art galleries, cafes, record shops, bookshops and stationery stores.

It is also frequently an event space, such as in 2025 for the 4th edition of the yearly PESTZA festival. And if you’re looking for art, don’t just look in the art galleries. The street art on the alleyways and walls surrounding the building has much to offer as well.

Closeby you’ll also find Pentago House, with a huge mural outside, which you might want to check out too!

Where? Jalan Kampung Attap, 80 - 84, Jalan Rotan, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
When? The Zhongshan Building is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesdays to Sundays