The Penang State Art Gallery has never been our top priority for sightseeing in Penang, but we happened to pass it and ventured in for a visit before it closed for the day.
Want to know more about this understated gallery? We’ve got pictures and more details down below!
Entrance Fees
You don’t have to pay to explore this art gallery. But there is a counter manned by a security guard where you must leave your basic contact details in a ledger.
Art Exhibits Here
This is a spacious gallery and the art pieces do not seem to be grouped together by category or artist.
Although the back section has mostly sketches from different artists.
At the front of the gallery is a hanging exhibit with a pair of near identical sculptures – we think it’s meant to be an abstract piece.
There are a lot of paintings by local artists of different ages and backgrounds in the gallery. Descriptions accompany each artwork.
Some paintings have been purchased (we presume by the gallery), and a few are donations.
Our favorite pieces included a painting of Penang city from afar. As well as a complementing pair of paintings featuring monkeys.
Besides paintings, we saw a wire sculpture of a cat with rats all around. There’s a large fabric collage piece close to this exhibit. And a pointy iron sculpture with horns too.
We also passed these stumps thinking they were a divider, but they are an art exhibit too.
Facilities
Someone with a wheelchair can still explore most of this gallery, we feel. Only the smallest section of the gallery is on a lower level from the rest of the hall.
This museum is fully air-conditioned and there’s a small gift shop beside the main counter.
But we didn’t see any toilets inside the gallery. The closest ones we found were within walking distance in the same building complex.
Alternatively, you can walk over to the paid public toilets up ahead, close to the Esplanade.
Conclusion
We think it’s always nice to find a free attraction to visit (much less one with such strong air-conditioning) and the Penang State Art Gallery is no exception.
You can take longer than us to slowly appreciate all the art pieces here, but we were kind of forced to rush through it since we only came 30 minutes before their closing time!
Batik Painting Museum
Like looking at art? You might enjoy a visit at the Batik Painting Museum over at Armenian Street then. Although this gallery is not free (RM10 per person).
Other Museums In Penang
If art’s not your thing, there are plenty more museums to check out in Penang. Including the fun Wonderfood Museum. Or the Ghost Museum!
