20/08/2026
A little different from what we usually post but equally valuable.
I was recently invited by Dr. Tan to visit one of his museums of contemporary art in Kuala Lumpur, and I left genuinely impressed.
What makes his museum remarkable is that Dr. Tan didn’t simply build the spaces. He bought the art, curated the collections, and created the entire experience himself.
The museums are intentionally small—just enough to give you a meaningful taste of contemporary art without feeling overwhelmed or, dare I say, bored. The architecture is beautiful, intelligent and functional, while the selection of works is thoughtful and engaging.
But what impressed me most is why he does it.
Dr. Tan sees this as a way of giving back to society and believes that Kuala Lumpur needs greater exposure to good contemporary art. Rather than simply talking about that need, he has taken it upon himself to create spaces where people can actually experience it.
I truly admire that kind of initiative and, even more, the determination to follow it through.
Dr. Tan is, in my view, one of Malaysia’s foremost architects and creative voices—not only for what he has built, but for the culture he continues to build around it.
If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, I highly recommend making time to visit!
📍 UR-MU @ Bukit Bintang
