Penang Museum

Do yourself a favor and make sure to include an interactive museum into your Penang trip! Most of these museums have a way of educating and entertaining their visitors simultaneously.

Such museums offer a closer look at the culture and history that surrounds Penang! Use this list to decide which ones you want to visit!

Get ready to see wonderful architecture, optical illusion galleries, and learn about local ghost stories. Or pick up a new skill!

21 Fun Interactive Museum In Penang

Make it a memorable day out with the family by visiting any of these interactive museums!

  1. Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
  2. Ghost Museum Penang
  3. Wonderfood Museum Penang
  4. Straits And Oriental Museum
  5. Dark Mansion – 3D Glow-In-The Dark Museum
  6. Glass Museum Penang
  7. Meowseum Museum
  8. War Museum Penang
  9. Upside Down Museum
  10. Teddyville Museum Penang
  11. Colonial Penang Museum
  12. Penang State Museum And Art Gallery
  13. Batik Painting Museum Penang
  14. Penang Peranakan Mansion
  15. George Town Mansion
  16. Sun Yat Sen Penang Base
  17. Asia Camera Museum
  18. Penang House Of Music
  19. Teochew Puppet & Opera House
  20. Tech Dome Penang
  21. Penang Indian Heritage Museum

Note: All prices listed here are subject to change by the respective museum/ gallery.

1. Penang 3D Trick Art Museum

There are over 40 3D works made from paintings on the floors, walls, and ceilings!

Look like you’re underwater without actually being underwater! Or go sky diving without the fear of heights.

Giant Centipede Mural At The Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
Giant Centipede Mural At The Penang 3D Trick Art Museum – photo credits to mpesal (Instagram)

Many of the themes center on Malaysian culture although they do have some random themes like “Escape with E.T.”!

Don’t worry about capturing the perfect angle as their friendly staff will help you!

  • Location: 10, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
  • Contact: +604-263 1628
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 9am–6pm
  • Entrance Fee:
    • Malaysians: RM18 (Adult), RM12 (Child 4-12 y.o./ Senior 60y.o. and above)
    • Non-Malaysians: RM28 (Adult), RM18 (Child 4-12 y.o.)

2. Ghost Museum Penang

While the exhibits here are not that frightening to adults, kids may get a good scare out of the haunting displays!

Haunted Dining Hall Set Up At The Ghost Museum In Penang
Haunted Dining Hall Set Up At The Ghost Museum In Penang – photo credits to portstarboardoflyana (Instagram)

Plan to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour here looking at scary setups and learning stories from different cultures!

  • Location: 57, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
  • Contact: +604-261 2352
  • Opening Hours: 10am–7pm
  • Entrance Fee:
    • Malaysians: RM14 (Weekday), RM16 (Weekend)
    • Non-Malaysians: RM21 (Weekday), RM23 (Weekend)
    • No fees apply for children below 100cm

3. Wonderfood Museum Penang

Gigantic and miniature hyper-realistic models of quintessential Penang food provide a new perspective on the local culture!

Entrance Of Wonder Food Museum In Penang
Entrance Of Wonder Food Museum In Penang

The well-thought-out displays are just as fun as they are informative with astounding attention to detail!

Food From Different Cultures And Races In Malaysia Presented At Wonder Food Museum
Food From Different Cultures And Races In Malaysia Presented At Wonder Food Museum

Warning: You will likely leave the quirky museum hungry for the actual food!

Read about our personal experience exploring Wonder Food Museum.

  • Location: 49, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
  • Contact: +604-251 9095
  • Opening Hours: 9am–6pm
  • Entrance Fee:
    • Malaysians: RM20 (Adult), RM12 (Child)
    • Non-Malaysians: RM30 (Adult), RM20 (Child)

Read more: 11 Best Asam Laksa In Penang – Satisfy Your Tastebuds With This Iconic Malaysian Dish!

4. Straits And Oriental Museum

One new reason to visit Gurney Paragon mall is Straits and Oriental Museum.

Exterior Of Straits And Oriental Museum At Gurney Paragon
Exterior Of Straits And Oriental Museum At Gurney Paragon

They have an impressively large private collection of beautiful antique ceramics to view. Many are from shipwrecks in Malaysia.

Ceramic Displays At Straits And Oriental Museum
Ceramic Displays At Straits And Oriental Museum – Photo credits to snowssy

Besides this, the patient staff will share some history as well. And there are occasional cultural events (like live painting sessions) held here too.

Entrance Fees:

Age GroupMalaysianNon-Malaysian
AdultRM25RM50
Child (<18yo), Senior (60yo and above), OKURM15RM30
  • Location: 163C-3-1 St. Jo’s Gurney Paragon Mall 10250, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
  • Contact: +6011-17227007
  • Opening Hours: 10am-6pm

5. Dark Mansion – 3D Glow-In-The Dark Museum

Note: Permanently closed

Higher-than-average admission costs might make you think twice about paying to see 3D artwork that uses glow-in-the-dark paint.

They will charge extra for their photo-taking service as well.

Glowing Waterfall At The 3D Glow In The Dark Museum
Glowing Waterfall At The 3D Glow In The Dark Museum – photo credits to eugeneferguson (Instagram)

But you will have ~10 uncommon photo opportunities in a fantasy forest or space!

The experience should take 20 minutes to an hour depending on your enthusiasm for photos! The whole experience should take 20 minutes to an hour depending on your enthusiasm for photos.

Location: 145, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-251 9694

Opening Hours: 10:30am–6:30pm

Entrance Fee:

6. Glass Museum Penang

Technically not a museum as Glass Museum Penang is a sales gallery for decorative glassware. And hence, you can purchase any piece here if they take your fancy!

Glass Museum Penang
Glass Museum Penang – photo is from their official Facebook page

The entrance fee includes a short glass-decorating demonstration.

An Exhibit Glass Museum Penang
An Exhibit Glass Museum Penang – photo is from their official Facebook page

Visitors can sketch out a design on a piece of glass, and after some sand-blasting, they can bring it home as a Penang souvenir!

  • Location: 6, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang Island
  • Contact: +604-251 9881
  • Opening Hours: Weekdays: 9:30am–6pm; Saturday: 9am–5pm (Sunday Closed)
  • Entrance Fee: RM30 per person

7. Meowseum Museum Of Cat Art & Craft (FOR ADULTS ONLY)

Note: Permanently closed

Meowseum Museum Of Cat Art & Craft has cats (the owner’s) roaming around but visitors are encouraged to leave the cats alone and pay attention to the artwork instead.

Plants And Cats At Meowseum Museum Of Cat Art & Craft
Plants And Cats At Meowseum Museum Of Cat Art & Craft

Note: For the above reason, children are no longer allowed into the gallery. There were previous injuries and damages.

The air-conditioned gallery is full of cat-themed paintings, figurines, books, and other knick-knacks (there are 2 floors) and you can enjoy viewing them for under RM20 (if you’re Malaysian, foreigners pay a bit more).

Read more about Meowseum Museum In George Town.

  • Location: No 47, Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, 10100 George Town, Penang
  • Contact: +6012-6891228
  • Opening Hours: 10:30am-7pm
  • Entrance Fee: From RM19

8. War Museum Penang

Up on Bukit Hantu (Ghost Hill), is an old British military fort where many grisly acts were carried out here after the Japanese took over.

Today, visitors can explore the barracks, underground tunnels and ammunition stores.

Tunnel At The War Museum Penang
Tunnel At The War Museum Penang – photo credits to engston (Instagram)

Reliable historical information is lacking though as the focus is on the scare factor – they even have night tours!

Location: Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung, Penang Island

Contact: +6016-421 3606

Opening Hours: 9am–6pm

Entrance Fee:

  • Malaysians: RM22(Adult), RM12 (Child)
  • Non-Malaysians: RM38 (Adult), RM20 (Child)

Remark: Bring a hat, insect repellent and long sleeves!

9. Upside Down Museum

Make some surprising memories at this optical illusion gallery and have a blast while doing so!

You’ll have a lot of funny photos (with friendly staff to help!) afterwards to remember your time in Penang!

Upside Down Museum 顛倒博物館
Upside Down Museum 顛倒博物館 – photo credits to desty_david (Instagram)

But it can feel like you’re being herded into the next room like sheep though! Even when there aren’t many customers.

Also, you can’t wear your shoes inside. They do provide lockers for shoes.

PS: You might want to bring socks

Location: 45, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-264 2660

Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am–6:30pm

Entrance Fee:

  • Malaysians: RM16 (Adult), RM11 (Student), RM8 (Child)
  • Non-Malaysians: RM27 (Adult), RM16 (Child)

10. Teddyville Museum Penang

By the name, you can guess this is a teddy bear museum in Penang! It is one of the best places to visit with kids if you are in Batu Ferringhi!

They use teddy bears creatively in beautiful displays to re-enact typical and historical scenes in Penang life! While you are here, you can learn the history of teddy bears in general too.

TeddyVille Museum At DoubleTree Resort Penang
TeddyVille Museum At DoubleTree Resort Penang – photo credits to booking.com

If you are staying at Hilton, you can get half price on the entrance fees. For visitors that are not staying at the hotel, you should know that the car park fee per car is RM5.

Location: Ground Floor, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia.

Contact: +6016-550 5949

Opening Hours: 9am–6pm

Entrance Fee:

  • Malaysians: RM27 (Adult), RM22 (Student), RM15 (Child)
  • Non-Malaysians: RM36 (Adult), RM29 (Student), RM25 (Child)

11. Colonial Penang Museum

Note: Temporarily closed

Do not let the entrance fee and appearance of the building deter you.

This bungalow has an impressive collection of priceless antique furniture and glass-stained windows!

Colonial Penang Museum
Colonial Penang Museum – photo credits to bibz2.0 (Instagram)

These were amassed from the spectacularly wealthy Chinese and Peranakans during the British colonial rule. Go for the guided tours! You won’t regret it!

Location: 7, Jalan D.S Ramanathan, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-228 8561

Opening Hours: 9:45am–5:15pm

Entrance Fee: 

  • Malaysians: RM20 (Adult), RM12 (Child)
  • Non-Malaysians: RM30 (Adult), RM15 (Child)

Read more: Penang Nightlife – 23 Best Things To Do In Penang At Night

Note: Temporarily closed until 2024

Renovation of the original building has been going on since 2017.

Antique Brassware At Penang State Museum & Art Gallery
Antique Brassware At Penang State Museum & Art Gallery – photo credits to xanthron_fae (Instagram)

In the meantime, there is a portion of the historical collection and cultural artifacts on display at a temporary location at McAllister Road.

Traditional Malay Costumes At The Penang State Museum & Art Gallery
Traditional Malay Costumes At The Penang State Museum & Art Gallery – photo credits to xanthron_fae (Instagram)

While the art gallery is at Dewan Sri Pinang – mostly abstract art!

Location: Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-226 1462

Opening Hours: 9am–5pm

Entrance Fee: FREE

Read more: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) – Relive The Peranakan Glory Days

13. Batik Painting Museum Penang

Another reason to visit Armenian Street is for this private collection of exquisite batik art paintings from over 90 artists on display!

Batik Painting Of Koi Fish At Batik Painting Museum Penang
Batik Painting Of Koi Fish At Batik Painting Museum Penang – photo credits to april_eats_and_sees (Instagram)

The guide will cover a little bit of history on batik at the start of the tour!

PS: The main paintings are not for sale but visitors can pick up other batik paintings instead.

Location: 19, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-262 4800

Opening Hours: 10am–6pm (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)

Entrance Fee: RM10 (Adult), RM5 (Student)

Read more: 13 Best Things To Do In Georgetown Penang

14. Penang Peranakan Mansion

Step into this gorgeous Peranakan 2-storey townhouse that was once the family home of a fabulously wealthy man called Chung Keng Kwee.

Main Courtyard Of Penang Peranakan Museum
Main Courtyard Of Penang Peranakan Museum – Photo by Travelswithsun

Daily tours (minimum 5 pax) at 11:30am and 3:30pm allow visitors to have a peek into glamorous and opulent lifestyle of upper-class families in the past!

Read more about our experience at Penang Peranakan Museum.

Location: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang

Contact: +604-264 2929

Opening Hours: 9:30am–5pm

Entrance Fee: RM25 (Adult), RM12 (Child, 6-12yo)

Read more: Kek Lok Si Temple – If You Only Have Time For 1 Temple In Penang, Let It Be This One!

15. George Town Mansion

George Town Mansion shares the same owner as the Penang Peranakan Museum. And while George Town Mansion is still new, you can view both museums with just the Penang Peranakan Museum entrance ticket.

Inside George Town Mansion
Inside George Town Mansion – Photo credits to georgetown_mansion

This pretty gallery of Peranakan, Malay and British colonial artifacts is smaller than its established counterpart (Penang Peranakan Museum). But the tours by the passionate staff are just as informative.

It’s also worth checking out the well-kept grounds of the building. And the vintage car they have on-site!

  • Location: 23, Lebuh Clarke, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
  • Contact: +604-2642929
  • Opening Hours: 9am-5pm (Closed on Fridays)
  • Entrance Fee: RM20 (It costs an additional RM5 to visit Penang Peranakan Museum)

Read more: Fort Cornwallis Penang – UNESCO Heritage Site In George Town

16. Sun Yat Sen Museum Penang

Sun Yat Sen Museum is yet another historic gem in George Town. The museum is tribute to Sun Yat Sen, a prominent figure/ leader of the Chinese Revolution of 1911.

Front Of Sun Yat Sen Museum Penang
Front Of Sun Yat Sen Museum Penang

The wonderfully preserved house is home to a permanent exhibition on Sun Yat Sen’s influence in Penang while he was living here!

Sun Yat Sen Museum Penang
Sun Yat Sen Museum Penang – photo credits to roro_ro_r_o_ (Instagram)

Tours by the custodians there are very insightful.

Location: 120, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +6016-442 8785

Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm

Entrance Fee: RM5 (Adult), RM5 (Children 12 years old and below)

Read more: Love Lane Penang: What To Love About This Popular Street In George Town

17. Asia Camera Museum

Appreciate the evolution of cameras from the 1000-strong collection of antique cameras at this specialty museum on Armenian Street!

Including German camera brands, Leica and Zeiss!

The Dark Room At Asia Camera Museum
The Dark Room At Asia Camera Museum – photo credits to yazid_swee (Instagram)

Many of these cameras still work as the passionate proprietor will demonstrate using old photography techniques! Visitors can have a shot at developing photos in a dark room too.

Location: 71 (1st Floor), Lebuh Armenian, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang

Contact: +604-251 9878

Opening Hours: 10am–6pm

Entrance Fee: RM25 per person

Read more: Penang Botanical Gardens – Visit The Green Lungs Of Penang!

18. Penang House Of Music

On the fourth floor of Komtar, is a small museum with splendid set-ups on the history of music in Penang between the 1930s and 1970s!

Exhibits At The Penang House Of Music
Exhibits At The Penang House Of Music – photo credits to norman.rizal (Instagram)

Visitors can play the instruments too!

Various Instruments At The Penang House Of Music
Various Instruments At The Penang House Of Music – photo credits to norman.rizal (Instagram)

An excellent 40-minute guided tour (included with the entrance fees) highlights through stories and exhibits, how the diversity of races and certain events changed music in Penang!

Location: KOMTAR, L4-02, Level 4, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-370 6675

Opening Hours: 11:30am–5pm (Closed on Sundays)

Entrance Fee:

  • Malaysians: RM20 (Adult), RM10 (Child/ Senior/ Student)
  • Non-Malaysians: RM30 (Adult), RM15 (Child/ Senior/ Student)
  • Free for children under 5 years old

Read more: Penang National Park (Ultimate Guide) – Spend A Delightful Day Hiking In Nature

19. Teochew Puppet & Opera House (潮藝館)

Note: Temporarily closed

Teochew Puppet & Opera House showcases props from a traditional art-form, specifically Teochew steel-rod puppet opera!

An Assortment Puppet Heads At Teo Chew Puppet And Opera Museum
An Assortment Puppet Heads At Teo Chew Puppet And Opera Museum – photo credits to daphneleemeilin (Instagram)

There will be the occasional shows too. Visitors can play with the puppets and even try on a full set of opera costumes for free!

The founder herself comes from a line of opera performers!

Location: 122, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-262 0377

Opening Hours: Weekends only 10am–5pm

Entrance Fee:

  • Malaysians: RM5
  • Non-Malaysians: RM10

Read more: 11 Best Shopping Malls In Penang To Visit – Newest & Biggest!

20. Tech Dome Penang

Within this hall are many delightful interactive exhibitions for anyone to gain more science related knowledge!

Interactive Set Up At The Tech Dome Penang
Interactive Set Up At The Tech Dome Penang – photo credits to azeemhakime (Instagram)

If you get the all-day combo ticket for The Top, this location should be your priority!

You can easily spend around 3 hours here! And once a year, they host a Japanese technology and culture fair!

Location: Geodesic Dome, KOMTAR, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang Island

Contact: +604-262 6663

Opening Hours: 10am–7pm

Entrance Fee: See the current rates here.

Further reading:

21. Penang Indian Heritage Museum

Penang Indian Heritage Museum does a superb job of exhibiting Malaysian Indian heritage and culture!

Penang Indian Heritage Museum
Penang Indian Heritage Museum – photo credits to their official Instagram

There are rare items such as old childhood games and traditional Indian household items!

It’s free for visitors to visit this museum too which is under the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB)!

Location: 225, 221, Jalan Macalister, Georgetown, 10450 George Town, Penang

Contact: +604-650 5215

Opening Hours: 10am–1pm, 2pm–4pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays); On Fridays, the museum is open from 10am to 12:15pm and again from 2:45pm to 4pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Read more: 17 Best Cafe In Penang With Great Coffee (Includes New Cafes)

Getting To Penang Museum

Book a private tour for easy transport around the city!

Having a local experienced guide to show you around ensures that you only see the best of what Penang has to offer!

Recommended Tour Services For Penang

It’s great to have someone who actually lives in Penang to show you the sights first-hand!

And the benefit of a tour service is that you don’t have to worry about how to best utilize your time. Or use up your energy planning and deciding where to go (and how to get there).

Here are 2 different but highly-rated tour services if you want to have a better understanding of the food, history, and culture of Penang:

Further reading:

Conclusion

Penang has a bunch of truly unique museums that are great fun for all ages as they are highly immersive! This is great for when you’re in Penang with kids!

And a visit to a museum can be a welcome activity (with air conditioning) from the usual attractions like street mural art, natural surroundings, historical landmarks, temples and beaches.

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