Although non-commercial art galleries are a little thin on the ground in Georgetown, there are a number of opportunities for some serious art appreciation in the city. The Penang State Art Gallery stands out in particular, although the impressive Alpha Utara Gallery is not to be overlooked.
Another very noteworthy venue, situated within the university campus just outside Georgetown, the Malaysia University of Science Museum and Art Gallery focuses on the ethnic Baba Nyonya heritage, as well as Malay art and artefacts, and several outlets around the city are directly linked to the Chinese community here. Popular commercial arts and crafts shops are also in good supply in the city and include Bee Chin Heong on the Lebuh Kimberley, and Auntie Sim on the Lebut Pitt.
Penang State Art Gallery
Address: Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 04 261 3144
Located on the Lebuh Farquhar (Love Lane), the whole of the first floor of the magnificent building which houses the Penang State museum is given over to the Penang State Art Gallery. Here are many art works depicting olden times in Penang and its capital, as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing the works of local contemporary artists.
Open: Saturday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge
Pinang Gallery
Address: Dewan Sri Pinang, Lebuh Duke, Georgetown, Malaysia, MY
Sited in the multi-purpose hall named the Dewan Sri Pinang, the Pinang Gallery lies in between both the Lebuh Duke and the Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, close to the waterfront, the Municipal Town Hall, the Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang building, the Padang Esplanade and Fort Cornwallis. This venue has chosen to specialise in individual contemporary pieces, many of which often prove to be something of an acquired taste.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free
Alpha Utara Gallery
Address: 83 Lebuh China, Georgetown, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 04 262 6840
The Alpha Utara Gallery is regarded by many as one of the best in the whole of Penang and occupies an attractive townhouse, renovated to retain its traditional appearance. Spread over two separate floors, the displays feature the works of many acclaimed local artists, including named such as Dom Ke Pa, Eaton Tam and Khoo Sui Hoe, amongst many others. A downstairs bookshop provides further interest.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free
The Art Gallery
Address: 368 Jalan Burma, Bellisa Row, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 04 229 8219
Always a popular draw for holidaying tourists, the simply named Art Gallery is home to an extensive array of paintings, which have been created by the hand of renowned artists from all over Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Singapore, over the past century or so. As well as the permanent collection, a temporary exhibition rotates several times each year, and further art exhibitions are held on a quarterly basis. The majority of the paintings here are known for their oriental character and appearance.
Open: daily
Admission: charge
University of Science (Malaysia) Museum and Art Gallery
Address: Minden, Georgetown, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 04 657 7888
Within the university campus is the unusual Malaysia University of Science Museum and Art Gallery, which displays a collection of appealing Baba Nyonya and Malay artefacts. These exhibits include textiles, jewellery and Malay kris (daggers), while there is also a section dedicated to traditional performance arts. The onsite art gallery houses a fine selection of paintings.
Open: daily - 09:00 to 16:30; closed first and third Sundays of each month
Admission: free
More information about Penang art galleries.
