PART of the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) were the George Town Heritage Walk and Historic Building Open House.
The walk took place early on Sunday, the second day of the celebrations, and saw around 2,000 participants flagged off from Beach Street before they took a 5km stroll around the city.
The route went past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Komtar, Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park and Beach Street Central Fire Station.
The Historic Building Open House was held on Monday to mark Heritage Day in Penang and had eight venues opening their doors to the public.
A steady stream of visitors stopped by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) to learn about its heritage conservation efforts, before proceeding to the nearby Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh.
Among them was Sarinande Mansor, who took the ferry from Seberang Jaya on Penang mainland for the event.
“Some of these buildings are not usually open to visitors, so it was a rare opportunity to visit, see their architecture and learn about their histories.
“The past can teach us a lot and I intend to visit all eight venues if time permits.”
The other six were Kwangtung and Tengchow Association, Makam Dato Koyah, Nam Hooi Wooi Koon, St George’s Church, Sun Wui Wui Koon and Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said GTHC reflected the state government’s desire for a community-driven approach to heritage conservation.
“Heritage is more than the preservation of buildings. It’s about the people, memory, identity and shared purpose.
“Through storytelling, music, crafts, food and exhibitions, we’ve shown that George Town is not only a heritage site but a thriving, living heritage community.
“The people are the living bridge between the city’s rich history and its bright future,” he said prior to touring the open houses together with other state leaders.
Reflecting on another successful celebration, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said it had been a constant journey of growth.
(GTWHI acts as site manager for George Town Unesco World Heritage Site).
“We focused on capacity building this year. We hope to better connect our world with visitors and build new narratives,” she said.
“We chose the theme ‘Doors and Doorways’ to reflect this transition.
“More than just entrances, doors served as passages to discover stories, aspirations and values that define the lifeway of communities in George Town.
“Big journeys start from small steps and I’m sure we’re together on the right path as shared custodians of the city,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the 40 community partners and over 800 team members and volunteers.
