Check out These Great Art Galleries and Museums in Georgetown, Penang
There are plenty of art galleries and museums in Georgetown, Penang -- many of which are free or have very cheap entrance prices. A very enjoyable day can be had by wandering around, photographing the historic buildings and mansions that house many museums.
Along with museums in Georgetown, street art can be spotted everywhere as you walk between sights. You’ll find many art galleries featuring contemporary art by local residents.
Find out the best places to eat in Penang -- take advantage of some of the best street food in Asia!
Dubbed as “China’s Rockefeller,” Cheong Fatt Tze went from penniless to one of the richest and most powerful men in Southeast Asia. His blue mansion is now a very unique museum and 16-room homestay.
Location: 14 Lebuh Leith; Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Photography prohibited unless you are a guest.
A small cultural museum and shop with art, handicrafts, photography, and paintings.
Location: 14 Lebuh Armenian; Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This museum was once the home to a rich pepper merchant who was the leader of a secret society. Inside you’ll find 19th century furniture and a beautiful diorama. The museum was restored in 1996.
Location: 128 Lebuh Armenian; Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Entrance: US $1
The world’s oldest Chinese newspaper still in existence, first printed in 1910, began in this museum. The museum was also where Dr. Sun Yat Sen, China’s first provisional president, held meetings.
Location: 120 Lebuh Armenian; Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New and interesting, the Camera Museum is a must for photography enthusiasts. Even if you don’t want to pay for the museum, the free gallery on the first floor has plenty of antique cameras and beautiful photography on exhibit.
Location: 49 Lebuh Muntri; Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Entrance: US $6
Constructed between 1896 and 1906, the beautiful building is now home to a museum displaying the social history of Penang’s communities.
Location: Lebuh Farquhar; Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Fridays.
Art galleries are dotted throughout Georgetown. Enjoy the newly abundant street-art scene along the way! Guides to dozens of street-art pieces are available in local tourism offices and at the Penang Heritage Trust office.
A gallery of paintings by local artists, you’ll find contemporary art with both an Eastern and Western influence.
Location: Lebuh Gereja, inside the Whiteaways Arcade; Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This lighthearted painting depicts two men arguing while a priest watches from his window. The two men are presumably from the Ghee Hin Secret Society, which was headquartered nearby.
Location: Lebuh Gereja
This street art piece depicts a brother and sister who sneaked away to ride a bike. Like many tourists who cycle Georgetown’s busy roads, the brother is too scared to look!
Location: Lebuh Armenian
This street art is painted on red, wooden doors and incorporates a real motorbike. The boy looks nervous because he probably isn’t supposed to be riding a motorbike already.
Location: Lebuh Ah Queen
Along with museums in Georgetown, street art can be spotted everywhere as you walk between sights. You’ll find many art galleries featuring contemporary art by local residents.
Find out the best places to eat in Penang -- take advantage of some of the best street food in Asia!
1. Museums in Georgetown, Penang
Dubbed as “China’s Rockefeller,” Cheong Fatt Tze went from penniless to one of the richest and most powerful men in Southeast Asia. His blue mansion is now a very unique museum and 16-room homestay.
Location: 14 Lebuh Leith; Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Photography prohibited unless you are a guest.
- Living Story Museum
A small cultural museum and shop with art, handicrafts, photography, and paintings.
Location: 14 Lebuh Armenian; Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This museum was once the home to a rich pepper merchant who was the leader of a secret society. Inside you’ll find 19th century furniture and a beautiful diorama. The museum was restored in 1996.
Location: 128 Lebuh Armenian; Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Entrance: US $1
The world’s oldest Chinese newspaper still in existence, first printed in 1910, began in this museum. The museum was also where Dr. Sun Yat Sen, China’s first provisional president, held meetings.
Location: 120 Lebuh Armenian; Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New and interesting, the Camera Museum is a must for photography enthusiasts. Even if you don’t want to pay for the museum, the free gallery on the first floor has plenty of antique cameras and beautiful photography on exhibit.
Location: 49 Lebuh Muntri; Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Entrance: US $6
Constructed between 1896 and 1906, the beautiful building is now home to a museum displaying the social history of Penang’s communities.
Location: Lebuh Farquhar; Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Fridays.
2. Art Galleries in Georgetown, Penang
Art galleries are dotted throughout Georgetown. Enjoy the newly abundant street-art scene along the way! Guides to dozens of street-art pieces are available in local tourism offices and at the Penang Heritage Trust office.
A gallery of paintings by local artists, you’ll find contemporary art with both an Eastern and Western influence.
Location: Lebuh Gereja, inside the Whiteaways Arcade; Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Street Art: Street Fighters
This lighthearted painting depicts two men arguing while a priest watches from his window. The two men are presumably from the Ghee Hin Secret Society, which was headquartered nearby.
Location: Lebuh Gereja
- Street Art: Little Children on a Bicycle
This street art piece depicts a brother and sister who sneaked away to ride a bike. Like many tourists who cycle Georgetown’s busy roads, the brother is too scared to look!
Location: Lebuh Armenian
- Street Art: Boy on a Bike
This street art is painted on red, wooden doors and incorporates a real motorbike. The boy looks nervous because he probably isn’t supposed to be riding a motorbike already.
Location: Lebuh Ah Queen