The state of Penang carries a long history since its establishment in the late 18th century. To preserve the past, the state government has then founded the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery at George Town. For decades, both locals and tourists visited the museum to learn about the state’s roots. However, it has been recently announced that this nostalgic venue will be undergoing restoration and therefore, the museum will be closed temporarily until next year.
Penang State Museum Is Now Closed To The Public
Photo: Trip.com
On April 10, Buletin Mutiara reported that the Penang State Museum at Lebuh Farquhar will be temporarily closed to the public as the building and the exhibits are undergoing a restoration process.
According to State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, the reopening of the museum would include some parts of the building that were previously destructed during the Second World War in 1942.
“The museum’s building has been through many significant historic moments such as the establishment of Penang Free School. At one time, the state even considered demolishing it. Fortunately, our first Malaysia Prime Minister Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj then decided to reform the building into a museum.”
Yeoh continued to recapitulate how the first Governor of Penang Raja Tun Uda Raja Muhammad officially inaugurated the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery back in 1964.
Photo: Buletin Mutiara
State Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad furthermore clarified that they will be conducting the restoration works in two phases. Phase One is slated to be completed by the middle of next year. Then the final phase is to be wrapped up by end of next year.
“We will be completing the extensive interior layout in the final phase,” she said.
She also hinted that they have plans in featuring more interactive and contemporary exhibits to appeal to the public.
“We expect the newly-restored museum to attract about 5,000 visitors a month after its reopening. The reopening date is scheduled in view of International Museum Day in 2024,” Haryany stated to the press.
Plans For More Museums In The Future
Yeoh said he is inspired to establish more museums in the near future. He said to the press that museums are considered a significant aspect of our daily lives.
“There are many museums in other countries and I believe there should be more of them here in Penang as well,” he said.
Source: Buletin Mutiara
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