Malaysia’s National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara) is extending its presence beyond Kuala Lumpur with a new branch in Ipoh, Perak. Housed in the historic Old Ipoh Post Office, a colonial landmark designed by British architect A.B. Hubback in the early 20th century, the gallery represents a unique fusion of heritage and contemporary culture.
The Ipoh branch aims to serve as a regional hub for visual arts by hosting exhibitions, interactive workshops, and cultural programs that engage both local communities and international visitors. Among its recent highlights during the soft launch was “Ipoh Suka Langka”, a creative festival featuring air painting, mobile photography, animation, doodling, neon art, and projection mapping, which successfully brought art into public spaces and attracted wide community participation.
The official opening of Balai Seni Negara Ipoh in 2026 not only strengthens Malaysia’s cultural infrastructure but also enhances Ipoh’s appeal as a heritage city with vibrant creative offerings. It reflects Malaysia’s commitment to decentralising the arts, nurturing local talent, and positioning Ipoh as an emerging destination for cultural tourism.
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