There’s a new art gallery in Perak. And this is not just any gallery but a tribute to famous Malaysian cartoonist, better known as Lat.
If you are keen on checking out Lat House Gallery from Ipoh, it is a 30-minute journey.
What can you see here and is it worth the journey? Find out in this post!
Table of contents:
About Lat House Gallery
Lat House Gallery opened in late July 2023 and the roughly RM4.5 million gallery (plus art installation) is funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. (Source: thestar.com.my)
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah and the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim came to the opening of Lat House Gallery.
And during the event, Lat (Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid) was present to receive the title of ‘Seniman Diraja’ (Royal Artist) from the Sultan of Perak.
The gallery celebrates the success of Lat. And it is also an example of what Malaysians can achieve. And what we can be proud of as a country of diverse cultures.
His work showcases typical life in Malaysia, and it is popular because many Malaysians (regardless of race) can relate to it.
Lat House Gallery’s operating costs will be covered by the Perak state government.
Entrance Fees For Lat House Gallery
Visitors currently don’t have to pay any entrance fees to visit Lat House Gallery.
But you are expected to leave your name in the registration log at the entrance of Lat House Gallery. It is on left when you enter the compound from the car park outside.
Entrance fees will be imposed later in September 2023.
Opening Hours For Lat House Gallery
Lat House Gallery is closed on Mondays.
For the rest of the week, it is open from 10am to 4pm.
Ease Of Parking At Lat House Gallery
There is an open-air car park in front ofLat House Gallery. On weekends, the parking spots may be fully occupied. But people will come and go often.
Otherwise, there is more parking over at the West Village or North Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet. Although you will have to walk over, exposed to the elements.
Ambiance At Lat House Gallery
Lat House Gallery has two sections – outdoors on the grounds is where the replica of Lat’s kampung house is. Visitors can go up into the house and have a look-see.
Outdoor Gallery
Furnishings in the house are simple and it will take less than 5 minutes to fully explore the house.
There are only fans in the house, and it is quite stuffy in the late afternoon. Even with all the windows open.
Indoor Gallery
In contrast, we were surprised at how modern and beautiful the indoor gallery is. There is plenty of light (artificial and natural), air-conditioning, and lots of glass windows.
The gallery has different types of exhibits. These include a viewing room with a projector, and huge 3D murals that look like they come straight out of Lat’s work.
You can see the photos and the timeline of Lat’s childhood, his published works, as well as rewards he received during his career.
We do think that the exhibits could stand to have more labels and more information signage. Many of the pictures in the gallery do not have any labels.
If there are categories for how the works are presented, these are missing too.
Service At Lat House Gallery
We saw 2 staff members – one at the counter, and another managing a group of teachers and school kids.
Guided tours are not officially available at Lat House Gallery.
Food At Lat House Gallery
For now, there’s no café or drinks sold at Lat House Gallery. Besides some snacks and soft drinks (at room temperature) that are by the main counter.
There is an outdoor seating area at one side of the gallery though.
Conclusion
Since there are no entrance fees, we really recommend a visit toLat House Gallery if you are an appreciator of his work. Or art and comics in general.
It looks that there may be souvenir shop and an on-site café in the future too. Currently, it’s just the gallery and one outdoor exhibit. Altogether, it takes under an hour to fully explore the gallery.
So, while you are here, check out the West Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet which is next to Lat House Gallery.
Further away are Kellie’s Castle, historic Papan Village, and Kinta Nature Park.
