The sight of children taking part in art activities, families discovering new crafts and art lovers pausing to reconnect with selected national works – from the late sculptor Anthony Lau to contemporary artist Ahmad Fuad Osman – has become part of the activity at the newly opened Galeri PETRONAS space at Ombak KLCC.
Located near the entrance, the pop-up offers an early look at the gallery through the mini exhibition Memory And The Malaysian Identity, alongside a series of public programmes. Together, these form The First Glimpse, a phased opening ahead of the gallery’s full launch next year.
The public programme has been designed with different age groups in mind, extending the experience beyond the exhibition itself.
Last month’s activities included batik painting, wire hibiscus-making and a 3D architecture-inspired workshop, followed by a storytelling session during the long Merdeka weekend.
“Over the coming months, visitors can look forward to a diverse line-up of workshops, talks and creative activities, that will continue to enrich the experience and encourage repeat visits,” says Norafizal Mat Saad, vice president, group strategic relations and communications, PETRONAS.
Public engagement is one of the key pillars of Galeri PETRONAS as work continues to prepare its four-floor space at Ombak KLCC. The completed gallery will also include a rooftop park dedicated to outdoor installations, expanding its exhibition and public offerings beyond the indoor galleries.
"We believe art becomes most meaningful when people can experience it, interact with it, and form personal connections with it. The workshops and hands-on activities featured in The First Glimpse are designed to make art accessible, engaging, and relevant to audiences of all ages and backgrounds,” says Norafizal.
This month, Galeri PETRONAS’ public programmes take their cue from Malaysia Day.
On Saturdays, "The Storyteller’s Caravan" presents themed zine workshops: The Anatomy of Sanctuary (Sept 12), Malaysia Uncensored (Sept 19), and Rantau Akar And Warisan (Sept 26).
Each date features two sessions, with 20 participants per session, and is open to all ages.
For those keen to get hands-on and learn about traditional crafts, Sundays offer an opportunity to explore Malaysia’s weaving traditions.
Creative hub FabCafe will present Sacred Weaving – Borneo on Sept 20, introducing participants to traditional techniques from Sabah and Sarawak. Ureka Weaves will focus on Peninsular Malaysian weaving techniques on Sept 13 and Sept 27.
“We hope the new Galeri PETRONAS will be a place where everyone feels welcome, whether they are art enthusiasts or stepping into a gallery for the very first time. Building on more than three decades of being in the art industry, the new gallery represents the next evolution of our commitment to become a premier art gallery," says Norafizal.
"At the same time, it will offer new audiences’ opportunities to engage with art through immersive experiences, educational programmes, and interactive initiatives,” he concludes.
Galeri PETRONAS is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with free admission. Registration is required for public programmes due to limited space.
