By V. Sivaji
Since its official re-opening on July 23, 2026, the Penang State Museum has received some 13,000 visitors to date.
Just over the weekend alone, the museum attracted some 3,000 visitors. Meanwhile, entrance to the museum is free of charge till end of this month.
The massive renovation was undertaken with a budget of RM20 million.
These numbers were shared by Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai while on his walkabout several locations in Georgetown in conjunction with the ongoing George Town Festival (GTF).
The GTF is on till August 9, 2026.
Among the first stops was at the China House along Beach Street which hosts displays works of several local artists. Among them are Thanesh Kichi, Rozaree Mohamed, Siti Gunong, Plengpin Khunwang and Norfatihah Yusof.
Entitled “Shifting Whispers” the exhibition invites visitors to a journey into the unknown and navigate a multisensory forest of memories.
Wong’s next stop was across Beach Street at Hikayat to witness the works of Steve Tan. Tan is Malaysia’s only photographer using the wet paint or collodion technique.
The final stopover was along Malay Street to witness the art works of Yok & Sheryo along with a collection of rare artifacts, specimens and cultural objects too.
Check out these attractions when you are around the area.
That’s fantastic news! It shows people are really interested in local history and culture.