Ipoh: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is set to open its third National Art Gallery here, after Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi in Kedah, offering visitors the country’s most extensive immersive exhibition.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot announced that the new branch, which will begin operating in the iconic Ipoh Old Post Office building next year, is expected to serve as a contemporary art hub benefiting the art community. The gallery aims to positively impact tourism, attracting more visitors to experience its collections.

Shaharuddin highlighted that future plans include upgrading the National Art Gallery and introducing immersive exhibitions, which will rank among the largest in Malaysia. This statement was made during the Ipoh Suka Langka Programme, which took place last night, with National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad also in attendance.

The Ipoh branch will focus on visual arts incorporating digital elements. It will have two main exhibition spaces showcasing masterpieces by artists from Malaysia and Southeast Asia, while the lower level will be dedicated to immersive exhibitions. Additionally, the gallery will feature tourism and art products that highlight historical sites, particularly in Perak, to draw more visitors to the state.

In another development, Shaharuddin mentioned that MOTAC has visited over 15 countries, including Switzerland, Poland, Thailand, Beijing, and India, to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 as tourism and business destinations. With preparations progressing smoothly, the next programme is scheduled for Melaka at the end of this month. The recently concluded Malaysia Cultural Festival 2025, part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, received strong responses from both Malaysians and foreign tourists. MOTAC plans to continue organizing programmes to attract tourists, with a focus on Visit Malaysia Year 2026.