Museums and galleries of Penang
Fort Cornwallis contains a great historical museum
Although Penang is generally a destination more blessed with temples and historic sites, there are sufficient museums of a high enough calibre to keep most visitors entertained. Museums in Penang run the gamut between children’s toys, war relics and celebrated musicians, so there truly is something for everybody.
Most museums in Penang have some sort of admission fee but this is rarely prohibitively expensive, and they are a great place to learn about the island’s history and cosmopolitan cultural makeup. Plus they are useful to escape the worst of the midday heat while gaining a little background on the historic monuments and sites of Georgetown and the surrounds.
Penang Toy Museum
With more than 100,000 exhibits, the Toy Museum in Penang is Malaysia’s first centre dedicated entirely to children’s entertainment. Models, dolls and collectibles are all on display with enough retro items to entice old and young alike. The Toy Museum was dreamed up by an avid collector with all different genres included such as Hong Kong film stars, anime, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. (Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Tel: +60 2460 2096, open: 09:00 to 21:00, admission: RM10/6 adult/under-12s)
Penang Museum and Art Gallery
Islamic art is very important in Penang
An extensive collection of documents, maps, photos, costumes and antiques demonstrate the state’s colourful and occasionally seedy past. The building itself was build in 1821 and began life as the Penang Free School, while the Art Gallery contained in the upper reaches showcased contemporary local artists and some marvellous etchings and paintings depicting Penang of time gone by. This Penang museum does a fine job of honouring the historic heritage of the island. (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, Tel: +60 (0)4 261 3144, open: 09:00 – 17:00, closed Fridays, admission: RM1/0.50 adult/child)
Penang War Museum
The Penang War Museum give a often harrowing glimpse at the horrors suffered by Penangites under Japanese occupation. One for history buffs, outraged students and war veterans more than your average tourist family. The building is housed in a British fort which was constructed during the Second World War and there are fascinating yet disturbing pictures of POWs under torturous conditions. (Merah Barat Daya, Batu Maung, Penang, Tel: +60 (0) 6421 3606, open: 09:00 to 19:00, admission: RM30/15 adult/child)
Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum
The Sun Yat Sen Research Centre contains a public museum which elaborates on the life of the Chinese political leader. Sun was instrumental in overthrowing the imperial Qing Dynasty in 1911 and was the first provisional president of the Republic of China. The centre collects records, information and artefacts relating to the six-year involvement Dr Sun Yat Sen had in Penang. (26 Lorong Susu, Georgetown, Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 2296188, sysmuseum@po.jaring.my, admission: RM3)
Penang Islamic Museum
The beautiful heritage building which houses this popular Penang museum is an attraction in its own right, but inside there are fabulous and unique exhibits tracking the foundation of Islam on the island. Many artefacts and pieces on display explain the development of Islam throughout the years and there are various different galleries and sections organised according to theme. Students of philosophy or the arts are in for a real treat. (128 Armenian Street, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 262 0172, open: 09:30 – 18:00, admission: RM3/1 adult/child)
P. Ramlee’s Birthplace and Gallery
The life of Malaysian actor and singer P. Ramlee is honoured in this Penang museum and a great effort has been made to cover all aspects of his colourful life. As his birthplace and former home, Malaysia’s National Archives acquired the house 20 years ago and carried out careful restoration work to bring back its period sheen. And their concerted efforts means that the house’s original form remains intact with a intimate gallery a range of memorabilia. (Jalan P. Ramlee, Georgetown, Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4281 7484, open: 10:00 to 17:00, closed Monday, admission: free)
