Penang State Museum & Art Gallery The Fascinating Collection Of The Rich Penang Culture

A city affected by the World War II, Penang is filled with many artifacts and evidence of the colonial administration

. Walking around the city, one can witness many pre-war buildings, heritage architecture and intuitions as it is one the most well-preserved historical sites.

Among all the stunning landmarks and memorable experiences that Penang has to offer, the Penang State Museum & Art Gallery stands out the most striking. Rich in historical artifacts, the museum provides much insight into the lives of Penang communities.

Boasting of cultural exhibits, the building which was formerly known as the Penang Free School is a monument that stands as evidence to the effects of the World War. Even though half of the building remains, the other half was destroyed by an aerial bombing during the war.

Undoubtedly, the historic city of Penang has marvelously brought together a collection of ethnic and historic findings, tracing back to its roots of diverse cultures. First open to the public in 1965, the museum has gone through extensive renovation. Painted in pure white, the museum has included re-paintings and re-arrangements of all the historical collections and memorabilia, presenting a fascinating way of facts and information.

Housing an outstanding collection of paintings of early Penang completed by Captain Robert Smith, some of the artifacts displayed portray the historical evolution of the multi-ethnic society in Penang. Since its founding, more collections have been included such as ancient paintings, old photographs, antique documents, maps, art galleries, Malay wedding costumes, charts, Chinese furniture, embroidery and invaluable historical relics.

The fine collection that depicts the development of Penang from the days of its founder, it showcases the craftsmanship of the local talents and skills. In addition, the courtyard in the museum displays the original Penang Hills railway carriage, the anchor from Mosquet which is a French destroyer, a cannon and billboard of the Penang founder.

A small museum, there are two levels in the building. As you enter the ground floor, the displays tell you a story of the three main communities in Penang; the Chinese, the Malays and the Indians. Following the chronicles of the early inhabitants of the Island, the artifacts display the events that occurred during the 18th century.

Along the opium pipes and beds lavishly decorated with mother of pearl, each room is unique. The bridal chamber of Baba and Nyonya displays intricate wedding clothing and architecture. Surrounded by a customary red lacquered bed adorned with a golf leaf, there are also other rooms where one can marvel the elaborate fabrics of Malay and Indian traditional costumes. Also shown is the dcor of a rich drawing room of Peranakan culture and wedding paraphernalia.

In the upper floor, there is an assortment of colonial supremacy where one can catch a glimpse of the historical development of Penang, a story of each milestone. There is countless information of the racial riot that happened in the late 19th century and the Japanese occupation in the World War II. Also displayed are models that are adorned with what the ladies wore during that time.

If you are interested in a visit to Penang, there is one Penang hotel situated in close proximity to several attractions, the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang. This hotel in Penang is nestled amidst the ocean front and green rolling hills.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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