by Athirah Sofea
Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, and life without it would be dull and unimaginable. Visiting art galleries and museums allow us to appreciate the simple joy of living in the moment.
While visiting these places unite art enthusiasts, it is also a universal activity that can be enjoyed by all. Gallery and museum visits can boost your happiness, increase your level of creativity and even improve your emotional intelligence.
Whether you’re looking for contemporary or classical, modernism or old masters, there’s always something out there that would appeal to your aesthetic sensibilities. We have created a list of some of the art galleries and museums around the world for you to visit.
Kuala Lumpur – National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara)
Source: Google
Founded by Malaysia’s first prime minister in 1958, the National Art Gallery is also known as Balai Seni Negara among the locals. This public art gallery is situated along Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur and located next to Malaysia’s main venue for various types of theatre, Istana Budaya. The three-storey building displays a variety of art such as paintings, sculptures, batik and other form of art done by local artists and those across the region. From time-to-time, you can find temporary exhibitions with different themes at the gallery. The national permanent collection, Nusa, highlights the validity, interpretation and fiction, together with tracing the essence of social and cultural structures that form the tapestry of south-eastern in the region. The gallery host seminars, workshops and art competitions for artists, students and the general public. Everyone can experience the art here at Balai Seni Negara.
Address: National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara), 2, Jalan Temerloh, Titiwangsa, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Singapore – National Gallery Singapore
Source: Google
The National Gallery Singapore is home to significant artworks by top artists from both Southeast Asia and the rest of the globe. Fittingly located in the heart of the Civic District, in two of the Lion City’s iconic buildings – the former Supreme Court Building and City Hall, this public institution and national museum of art and culture showcases more than 8,000 pieces from Singapore’s National Collection, making it one of the world’s largest public collections of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. Immerse yourself in the artworks and get valuable insights on Singapore as well as Southeast Asian heritage and history.
Address: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01 – 01, Singapore 178957
London – Tate Britain
Source: Google
While there are four different Tate galleries in the UK, the more common ones among visitors are Tate Modern and Tate Britain, located in London town. Both offers a unique experience and is different in their approach, Tate Modern specializes in contemporary and modern art, while Tate Britain offers a more traditional fare. The Tate Britain showcases a wide range of artworks from different eras, which makes it the more accessible space for those who aren’t quite sure what kind of art they like. The architecture of the museum reflects the art which is housed within, with a spiral staircase and Victorian accents which have been developed since the museum’s original founding during the late-1800s. Traditional art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in some of the most famous work of art over the centuries.
Address: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, UK
Paris – L’Atelier des Lumières
Source: Google
L’Atelier des Lumières offers a new approach to art with a spectacular combination between art and technology. This exhibition will transport you to the magical world of renowned artists through a 40-minute sensory experience. Instead of seeing the works hung on the walls, it is projected on walls in a floor-to-ceiling setting. The paintings come alive and gives you the feeling of being in the paintings, especially with the sounds and colours surrounding you. Time to switch up the classic museum experience and immerse yourself in art at the first digital art centre in Paris. The stunning immersive experience will surely dazzle every age group.
Address: L’Atelier des Lumières, 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France
Tokyo – Yayoi Kusama Museum
Source: Google
In 2017, the contemporary art museum dedicated to the work of Yayoi Kusama was launched in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist known as ‘the princess of polka dots’ for her extensive use of polka dots and for her infinity installations. From paintings, sculptures, performances and installations, all her art shares one thing in common, they are filled with dots. For those who love the art of Yayoi Kusama or would like to explore more about the avant-garde artist and her art, do give this museum a visit if you are in Tokyo, Japan.
Address: Yayoi Kusama Museum, 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0851, Japan
Going to an art venue does not require any knowledge about art or its history, you just have to be open to the experience. We hope the list above will allow you to explore the world of art or if you just need a reason to wander when you are in these countries, feel free to visit the places listed above!
