Here’s The Story Behind CULT Gallery: The Serene Art Space in Bukit Tunku

By Aqasha Nalani  •  16 Jun 2025 in Features

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Tucked away in the serene, leafy hills of Bukit Tunku lies a cultural gem that offers more than just visual art; it offers connection, curiosity, and quietude.

CULT Gallery, housed in a character-rich former home, is not your average white-cube gallery. Since opening its doors in 2018, this boutique art space has been quietly but powerfully shaping the local arts scene, providing a refreshing escape from Kuala Lumpur’s relentless pace.

This unique gallery wasn’t originally built with the intention of hosting exhibitions

The charming old house once served as a studio for renowned Malaysian artist Ahmad Zakii Anwar. When its ground floor was left underused, the idea to transform it into a gallery was born.

The debut exhibition, ‘STONED IN PARIS’—a collaborative lithography show by Zakii and Jalaini Abu Hassan—marked the beginning of CULT’s journey. Since then, the space has evolved into a sanctuary for meaningful conversations, creative collaboration, and authentic storytelling.

What sets CULT apart is its belief that art should leave a lasting emotional imprint. Each exhibition is curated with the intent to evoke questions, curiosity, and conversation.

The gallery doesn’t follow rigid checklists or commercial formulas when selecting artists. Instead, it seeks works that are sincere, thought-provoking, and deeply resonant. You’re not just there to look—you’re invited to feel, reflect, and connect.

Beyond aesthetics, CULT Gallery is deeply rooted in social consciousness

In 2019, the team launched an annual charity exhibition to raise funds for Sisters in Islam, a women’s rights advocacy group. Over five years, this initiative raised nearly RM500,000.

In 2023, CULT also curated a fundraising exhibition for MERCY International, collectively collecting RM1 million in emergency medical aid for Gaza.

Their efforts extend beyond exhibitions. CULT actively supports the creative ecosystem through artist residencies in Langkawi, Kelantan, and Kuching and funds the publication of books and films that preserve and document Southeast Asian art histories, ensuring stories are not just seen but remembered.

CULT’s impact has also gone far beyond Malaysian borders

It became the first Malaysian gallery to be invited to collaborate with IOTA, a triennial contemporary arts festival in Australia.

Their companion exhibition, The Language of Craft in Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia, spotlighted powerful regional voices like Marcos Kueh, Pangrok Sulap, and Anniketyni. The show was also officiated by Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Kuala Lumpur’s first female mayor, as part of the KL Festival, a significant milestone for both the gallery and the city.

CULT is also a nurturing space for emerging artists. Its annual ‘Ways of Seeing’ series has introduced fresh talents like Haz Yusup, Adam Phong, and Fafa, giving them a platform to experiment and grow.

With its open and collaborative atmosphere, CULT enables new artists to explore, innovate, and find their audience, making it an essential launchpad in Malaysia’s evolving art landscape.

Local artists are also welcome to submit portfolios to [email protected]. Whether you’re a creator or a curious mind, CULT embraces those who believe in the power of art to move, connect, and transform.

Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a tranquil, culture-infused afternoon, CULT Gallery is open to the public

The environment is warm, intimate, and personal, more akin to exploring a friend’s private collection than visiting a formal institution.

Framed by a lush garden and peaceful poolside views, it’s the kind of place where you can breathe, reflect, and discover art at your own pace.

For those planning to go on a date or simply catch up with friends, there’s also a humble coffee shop right next to the main gallery!

Interested in checking the gallery out? Here are the details:

Location:

10A, Jalan Persiaran Bukit Tunku,

Taman Tunku, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours:

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Follow CULT Gallery on Instagram here.

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