Datuk Lat is a national treasure.

He deserves his own museum to display his artwork, and he has one that is under construction for a while now.

But good news; it's due to open soon.

Seven years in the making

Lat and his house.
After several years of delay, the Rumah Lat Dan Galeri will finally open its doors to the public really in July of this year, Malay Mail reported.

Datuk Lat, whose real name is Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, confirmed the news earlier this week after being informed by the Perak Museum.

The 70-year-old told the news portal that the structure of the house, which is seven years in the making, is ready and the only pending work is arranging the exhibits.

The gallery, which will be located in Batu Gajah, was supposed to be opened last year, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As much as I want it to be opened but we need to take into account the safety of the people,” said Lat.

The comic house coming to life.
So, what can you expect to find in Rumah Lat Dan Galeri?

On top of his artwork spanning some four decades, those visiting the gallery would find personal items from Lat’s childhood dating back to 1964.

In fact, even the Rumah Lat Dan Galeri is an exact replica of the kampung house in his graphic novel 'The Kampung Boy', which Datuk Lat said he drew from memory.

We really can't wait for the Rumah Lat Dan Galeri to open (and for the interstate travel ban to be lifted) so that we could go check it out for ourselves.