The National Art Gallery was established on 28 ^th August 1958, and only officially launched on 16 ^th September 2000 by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohammed. The concept was first initiated by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, who was also the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. The National Art Gallery, previously housed in a space at Malaysia's first House of Parliament, is now located on Jalan Temerloh, Kuala Lumpur.

Allocated under the arm of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, the National Art Gallery still maintains its title of being one of the most established art museums in the South East Asian region. The gallery’s mission is simple; effective measures are carried out by its employees to collect, preserve, exhibit and promote its displays to stimulate awareness and encourage more people to learn about the cultures within. The National Art Gallery acquires art pieces from time to time that reflect creativity of the National Visual Art Heritage local and international Collections.

Covering a space of 13,000 square meters, five galleries are effortlessly housed inside the National Art Gallery. A fully-equipped auditorium, café, resource centre, outdoor exhibition area, creative centre for workshops, as well as the gallery's administrative centre add on to the artistic bulk inside it. As Malaysia's official art institution, the National Art Gallery is committed to disseminate artistic information to the public. It fully supports the endeavors of our local artists by exhibiting their works here and abroad ever since the 60s era.

A simple donation of 4 art works commenced the National Art Gallery’s collection in the 50s. Today, a proud collection of 2,500 over pieces of art works are permanently displayed at the National Art Gallery. The collections are an artistic and varied compilation of ceramics from as early as the 1900s era; a breathtaking Chinese ink painting from 1964, drawings and watercolor arts dating from the 50s to 80s, and installations dating from 1983 that roughly resemble antique wall fixtures. There are also colored paintings created using oil paints, pastels and acrylic art; dating all the way back from the 1900s, and many other innovations such as the photography, prints, sculptures and textiles.

The National Art Gallery provides not only a feast for the eyes, but also the following services that cater to artistic interests from all levels of the general public. Such services include hosting of occasional art workshops, competitions, seminars and also a gallery tour. These activities will benefit the public by encouraging interactivity and learning. The gallery leases display areas for solo or group exhibitions; visitors will also be able to discuss similar topics of interest in their own chat space, the forum! Other services that will be made available to the public very soon, are internet media services like an art exchange & classified advertising space and electronic postcards & publications.

All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times inside the gallery. Opening hours for the National Art Gallery are on Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 6pm. The gallery is also open on all public holidays, except for festive occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha. Open up your minds to interactive learning! There are no admission fees, so feel free to come on back and feast your eyes on the exquisite masterpieces that visitors are strictly not allowed to capture on film.