The National Art Gallery, which was established in 1958 by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the then and first prime minister of Malaysia, started off with only 4 artworks which was donated and placed at the Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, the then Parliament House and has grown to more than 2500 artwork to date. The National Art Gallery have since moved to its new building at Jalan Tun Razak permanently, which was officiated by the then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2000.

The National Art Gallery, which is known as Balai Seni Lukis Negara is one of the most established art museums in South East Asia is envisioned to develop the local art scene under the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. Its efforts, apart from holding art exhibitions and such is to promote awareness with the general public from within and outside the country in art and crafts of the country. Periodically, there are art competitions and contests like the Young and Contemporary Artists and many others. Apart from that, the National Art Gallery also holds seminars, workshops and training in art-related courses.