Fort Cornwallis, Penang state museum open to visitors, free until end August
AFTER years behind restoration fences, two of George Town’s best-known heritage landmarks have reopened, inviting visitors to rediscover the stories that shaped the island.
Fort Cornwallis, first built by Captain Francis Light in 1786, has emerged from a decade-long conservation project with its star-shaped fortifications restored and its 4,000sqm West Moat revived for the first time since it was filled in 1921.
The transformation offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the fort much as it once stood, while preserving its centuries-old military legacy.
Just a short walk away, the Penang State Museum has reopened after an extensive restoration of the former Penang Free School building in Farquhar Street.
The upgraded museum features 15 galleries housing nearly 1,200 artefacts, blending interactive exhibits and digital displays with historical treasures.
From prehistoric Gua Kepah discoveries to wartime relics and the state’s development before and after independence, the museum presents Penang’s story across generations.
Together, the revitalised attractions offer a fresh gateway into the island’s rich history while ensuring its heritage continues to inspire future visitors.
Admission to both attractions is free until Aug 31.
Penang State Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad inspecting some of the artefacts to be displayed at the museum prior to its official reopening.
An on-site archaeological excavation area inside the Penang State Museum compound reveals structural remains of the original school building that stood on the grounds before parts of it were destroyed during World War II.
Visitors touring an exhibition gallery at Fort Cornwallis in George Town, featuring bicycles used by invading Japanese forces during World War II.
A view of the beautifully restored Fort Cornwallis and its newly reinstated moat at the Esplanade in George Town.
A visitor experiencing a playful taste of old-school discipline at the ‘caning machine’ exhibit inside the Penang State Museum.
Visitors looking at some of the equipment used in ‘Kemahiran Hidup’ (Life Skills) classes now on display at the Penang State Museum.
