Top 14 Penang Museums That Are Surprisingly Fun and Fascinating
You know, there was this one time I thought I had become a time traveler. No joke! I strolled into a museum in Penang, and within minutes, I was transported to colonial times, surrounded by antique furniture and old photographs.
I absolutely freaked out (blame my insomnia) for a bit but I immediately realised that it was all just incredible curation and vivid storytelling by the museum I was currently visiting.
Anyway, if you ever find yourself in Penang, trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the treasure troves of culture and history their museums offer. So you better read on because we’re going on a cultural adventure!
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
– Media credit: fennypictures
Website: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/
Address: 29, Church St, Georgetown
Contact details: +60 4 264 2929
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adults – $25
- Children (ages 6 to 12)) – $12
- Junior Children (ages under 6) – Free
If you ever wanted to get a sneak peek into the lavish lifestyle of the Peranakans, also known as Straits Chinese, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is the place to be. Each corner you turn here, there’s something more fabulous waiting to be discovered.
You’ll be walking through rooms filled with intricately carved wooden furniture, dazzling jade artifacts, and vibrant silk garments. What’s even cooler is that the mansion isn’t just about static exhibits; it’s also a mini theme park of culture.
There are interactive displays, and you can even catch a live cooking demonstration of Peranakan cuisine. The kitchen area as well, loaded with vintage utensils, offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions that define the community.
| Pro tip: Try joining the guided tours, since those are absolute game changers. These guides are walking encyclopedias who add so many juicy tidbits to your visit that you’d likely miss on your own. |
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
– Media credit: tsvetaeva_i
Website: http://www.khookongsi.com.my/
Address: 18, Cannon Square, George Town
Contact details: +60 4 261 4609
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $15
- Children (ages under 12) – $1
- Children (ages under 5) – Free
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is the granddaddy of clan houses in Penang, showcasing the prestige and significance of the Chinese Khoo clan.
The architecture here is off the charts—I’m talking dragons on the roof, gold-embellished altars, and walls adorned with ancient calligraphy. The main hall, with its ornate pillars and fairy-tale ceilings, is guaranteed to make your jaw drop.
You can also explore the clan’s museum to see a treasure trove of family heirlooms, historical documents, and photographs that span several generations. The courtyard is also a great hangout spot, offering a serene vibe where you can just soak in the details.
| Pro tip: Opt to visit during off-peak hours or on weekdays for a more personal experience. Also, don’t miss the underground chamber; it’s not as creepy as it sounds and holds some fascinating old artifacts that are easy to miss if you’re in a rush. |
Penang War Museum
– Media credit: penangwarmuseum
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PenangWarMuseum/
Address: Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung
Contact details: +60 16 421 3606
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $22 (Malaysian), $38 (non-Malaysian)
- Child – $12 (Malaysian), $20 (non-Malaysian)
Now, if you’re into history with a side of adrenaline, you have got to check out the Penang War Museum. This museum is actually housed in a former British military fort, and exploring it feels like you’re on a real-life treasure hunt.
From bunkers to tunnels, there’s a lot to explore, but don’t worry; it’s adventure-central with clear signages and paths to guide your way. The museum captures the story of World War II and Malaysia’s involvement in the most immersive way possible.
There are lots of artifacts like old uniforms, weapons, and even tanks. One of the absolute highlights is the tunnel crawl—if you’re claustrophobic, maybe sit this one out.
| Pro tip: Remember to wear comfy shoes, because the site is huge and you’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Also, carry some water and maybe a small snack since the museum can take a few hours to fully explore. |
Glass Museum Penang
– Media credit: tripzilla.id
Website: http://glassmuseumpenang-online.globaltix.com/
Address: 6, Wisma Cheok Holdings, Jalan Burma, George Town
Contact details: +60 4 251 9881
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- $30 per person (with glass bottle painting)
The Glass Museum Penang is shiny, sparkly, and artsy—it just screams creativity. As soon as you step in, you’re hit with an array of colors and reflections dancing off every surface.
The exhibits range from intricate glass art sculptures to mind-boggling glass installations. One of the coolest parts here is the hands-on glass painting workshops!
You can jump into these to create your own little masterpiece. They also have mind-bending mirror mazes and rooms that are just perfect for Instagram photos.
| Pro tip: The workshops can get booked up quickly, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation. It’s worth planning your visit around these sessions if you want a more interactive experience. |
Asia Camera Museum
– Media credit: e.vargasphotography
Website: https://www.asiacameramuseum.com/
Address: 1st Floor, 71, Lbh Armenian, Georgetown
Contact details: +60 111 859 9878
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- $20 per person
The Asia Camera Museum is all about the evolution of cameras (duh), but the collection here is pretty mind-blowing. From vintage box cameras to intricate modern devices, they’ve got the whole timeline of photographic history.
One of the highlights is the chance to operate some of the older cameras. You can experience what it was like for photographers back in the day.
The museum also showcases some stunning historical photographs and has displays of old film roles and printing techniques. It’s not just for gearheads, though; anyone can appreciate the beauty of these old cameras and the history they capture.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip the darkroom demonstration. Seeing how photos were developed back in the day gives you a whole new appreciation for the art of photography. |
Ghost Museum
– Media credit: ghostmuseumpenang
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ghostmuseumpenang57
Address: 57, Lebuh Melayu, George Town
Contact details: +60 4 261 2352
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $21 (Malaysian), $31 (non-Malaysian)
- Child (ages 5 to 12)/Senior – $14 (Malaysian), $21 (non-Malaysian)
If you’re into the spooky and supernatural, you’ve got to check out the Ghost Museum in George Town. This place is like a trip through some of the creepiest ghost stories and folklore from Malaysia and around the world.
You’ll find everything from animatronic ghosts to some seriously freaky mannequins that represent different types of ghosts and spirits from Asian culture. Honestly, it’s pretty educational too, because each exhibit comes with detailed information.
Aside from the spooky exhibits, you can actually walk through different themed rooms that are designed to give you the heebie-jeebies. There’s even a section where you can dress up in traditional ghost costumes and take pictures.
| Pro tip: There’s a café where you can chill out afterwards, maybe with a “spooky” themed drink. Make sure to grab some souvenirs from their gift shop too; they have some pretty unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. |
Batik Painting Museum Penang
– Media credit: alyaadhaaa
Website: https://www.facebook.com/batikpg/
Address: 19, Lbh Armenian, George Town
Contact details: +60 4 262 4800
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Adults – $10
- Students – $5
If you love art, then you’ll definitely want to make a pit stop at the Batik Painting Museum Penang. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the intricate and beautiful art of batik painting, a traditional Malaysian craft.
You’ll get to see an amazing collection of batik paintings from various artists, each showcasing a different style or theme. The detail and colors in these paintings are absolutely stunning, and you can spend hours just marveling at the creativity.
The museum isn’t huge, but it’s packed with so much to see. Additionally, they’ve got informative plaques next to each piece, which gives you some context and background, making the experience even more enriching.
| Pro tip: Before you leave, make sure you stop by the gift shop. They sell a variety of batik-painted items, from scarves to wall hangings. Allocate at least an hour to fully explore the museum, and keep an eye out for the special exhibit section, which rotates frequently and features different themes and artists. |
Indian Heritage Museum Penang
– Media credit: indianheritage_png
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Indian-Heritage-Museum-Penang-1050043601834784/
Address: 225, 221, Jln Macalister, Georgetown
Contact details: +60 4 650 5215
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 4 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 12:15 PM, 2:45 PM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 4 PM
Cost: Free entry
The Indian Heritage Museum offers a plethora of exhibits that showcase the history and contributions of the Indian community in Penang. From traditional costumes and musical instruments to religious artifacts, there’s so much to see and learn here.
What makes this museum special is how it’s divided into different sections, each dedicated to various aspects of Indian culture. You’ll find areas focusing on traditional Indian medicine, textiles, and a section on the Indian festivals celebrated in Malaysia.
Another really cool thing to look out for is the section on Indian dance. It’s got some gorgeous traditional costumes and even videos showing traditional dance performances.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the antique collection, which includes old coins, jewelry, and pottery that are centuries old. It’s a real treasure trove for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike. Make your visit on a Sunday when they often have cultural performances and activities that aren’t available during the week. |
Upside Down Museum
– Media credit: nadiajamhari
Website: https://www.facebook.com/upsidedownmuseum/
Address: 45, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town
Contact details: +60 4 264 2660
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $29
- Child (ages 5 to 12) – $21
The Upside Down Museum is definitely one for the books, since everything here is literally upside down! From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a totally different world where the laws of gravity don’t apply.
The furniture, the rooms—everything is flipped—incredibly fun and disorienting, in the best way possible. One of the highlights is the meticulously designed sets, where each room has a different theme, and attention to detail is just amazing.
You can find yourself “walking” on the ceiling of a fully furnished living room or even “cooking” a meal in an upside-down kitchen. The staff are great too—they’ll help you take the perfect photos and even suggest poses to make the most out of each scene.
| Pro tip: Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be getting down on the floor a lot for pictures. Visit early in the day to avoid the rush and get the best photos without waiting. |
Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
– Media credit: jomtravellocal
Website: https://penangtrickart.com/
Address: 10, Lebuh Penang, George Town
Contact details: +60 4 263 1628
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Adult (ages 13 and above) – $18 (Malaysian), $28 (non-Malaysian)
- Children (ages 4 to 12) – $12 (Malaysian), $18 (non-Malaysian)
- Senior (ages 60 and above) – $12
The Penang 3D Trick Art Museum is absolutely fantastic for anyone who loves getting creative with their photos. The museum features loads of brilliantly designed 3D murals that create optical illusions, making it look like you’re part of the art.
Each mural is categorized by theme, whether it’s an underwater world, ancient Egypt, or even fantastical scenes out of a fairy tale. You’ll be posing as if you’re escaping from a massive T-Rex or surfing the perfect wave.
Since it’s indoors, you can enjoy it rain or shine. And don’t forget to check out the virtual reality section; it adds an extra layer of fun and immersion.
| Pro tip: Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged—you’ll be taking a lot of pictures! Also, arriving early can help you avoid waiting for popular photo spots. |
Straits and Oriental Museum
– Media credit: straitsandorientalmuseum
Website: https://somuseum.asia/
Address: 20, Stewart Ln, Georgetown
Contact details: +60 12 208 0566
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $25
The Straits and Oriental Museum is all about showcasing the rich heritage of the Straits and the Orient. It’s like taking a walk through history with all those rare artifacts and unique exhibits.
What’s super cool is the way they display old photographs, traditional costumes, and intricate crafts that give you a real feel of the past. If you’re into maritime history, the collection of maritime-related objects and ship models will definitely catch your eye.
You’ll get to learn so much about the cultural exchanges that have shaped this region. From the Chinese porcelain to Malay weaponry and Indian textiles, the diversity is just mind-blowing.
| Pro tip: They’ve got you covered with clean restrooms and a little gift shop here, where you can snag some cool souvenirs. Also, don’t miss out on the guided tours; they provide so much more context and fascinating stories behind the exhibits that you wouldn’t want to miss. |
Wonderfood Museum
– Media credit: wonderfoodmuseum
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Wonderfoodmuseum/
Address: 49, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
Contact details: +60 4 251 9095
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Adults – $15
- Children – $5
Wonderfood Museum is an absolute blast, especially for foodies! Situated over at Lebuh Pantai, it’s all about showcasing Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage in the quirkiest way possible.
You’ll find larger-than-life replicas of local dishes that look so realistic, you might find your stomach growling just by looking at them. Seriously, the artistry in replicating dishes like Char Kway Teow and Nasi Lemak is insane.
You’ll also find informative sections that delve into the history and ingredients of Malaysian cuisine. The museum is well-maintained with guides available to help you out if needed.
| Pro tip: Remember to grab some fun and funky food-themed trinkets from their gift shop; they’re perfect for remembering your foodie adventure. |
Tech Dome Penang
– Media credit: techdomepenang
Website: http://www.techdomepenang.org/
Address: Level 4 & 5, KOMTAR, Geodesic Dome, Jln Penang
Contact details: +60 4 262 6663
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $28
- Student – $22
- Child – Free
Nestled within the KOMTAR building, Tech Dome Penang is like a playground for anyone who’s curious about science and technology. It’s spread over two levels and filled with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that make learning super fun.
You can literally spend hours here, from playing with robotics to experimenting with physics and chemistry principles. One of the coolest things is the laser maze—channel your inner spy and try to navigate through beams of light without triggering alarms.
The dome also hosts various workshops and demos, so you might catch something super interesting during your visit. And let’s not forget the planetarium; those starry projections are just magical and offer a break from the tech-centric excitement.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check their timetable online before visiting. There are often special events and workshops that you wouldn’t want to miss. |
Teddyville Museum Penang
– Media credit: teddyvillemuseumpg
Website: https://teddyvillemuseum-online.globaltix.com/
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria
Contact details: +60 4 890 0535
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost:
- Standard Admission – $26
Teddyville Museum is sheer joy, especially if you’ve still got a soft spot for stuffed bears. It’s the first of its kind in Malaysia, and as the name suggests, it’s all about teddy bears.
From vintage bears to celebrity-themed bears, there’s a bear for every occasion. They’ve got these adorable dioramas that depict Penang’s history and culture, all populated with teddy bears dressed up in various costumes.
One section that stands out is the bear workshop, where you can see how these cuddly creatures are made. And guess what? You can even customize your own teddy bear to take home.
| Pro tip: Take the time to chat with the staff; they often have delightful stories about the bears and can point out little details you might miss on your own. |