A HISTORIC building in Jalan Macalister has reopened as a branch of the Penang State Museum, which will also temporarily house the State Art Gallery.
To mark the occasion, the Penang Art Open 2025 exhibition themed “Future Ecologies” was launched at the premises by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
It features the works by the winners of the 2025 competition.
Chow said the building had undergone repair and upgrading works after being closed for about six years.
“The improvements include repairs to the roof, electrical wiring and a fresh coat of paint.
“A new automotive gallery within the compound has also expanded the exhibition space, providing visitors with even more opportunities to discover Penang’s heritage,” Chow said in his speech.
He said the reopening was an important step towards preserving the state’s history, promoting the visual arts and making its cultural treasures more accessible.
“The initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring that Penang’s history continues to be appreciated, its arts scene flourishes and its heritage passes on to future generations.
“The building has particular historical significance as it once housed the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, which was officially opened as a maternity hospital on Sept 13, 1915,” he said.
The State Art Gallery is currently operating at the museum branch while upgrading works are being carried out at its base in Dewan Sri Pinang.
Chow urged visitors to not only look at the building and display of works.
“Take the time to appreciate the stories behind them, as museums should not merely be places where old artefacts are kept,” he said.
Chow added that the reopening highlighted a successful year for Penang’s heritage conservation, which also saw the automotive gallery open on Feb 3, while the Penang State Museum in Farquhar Street reopened on July 23.
The collection in the Jalan Macalister museum branch encompasses not only artefacts but also handicrafts, traditional costumes, historical paintings, works by pioneering artists and contemporary pieces.
The contribution of the late comics artist Mohd Azmi Mohd Hussin also adds to the representation of Penang’s artistic heritage and popular culture.
Meanwhile, the Penang Art Open 2025 exhibition highlights the role of art in encouraging greater awareness of environmental sustainability and sustainable development.
Chow handed cash prizes to the winners of the competition.
He also congratulated the Penang state museum board, curators, artists, strategic partners and other parties involved in the reopening and exhibition.
Also present were state executive councillor for tourism and creative economy and Penang State Museum board chairman Wong Hon Wai, state financial officer Datuk Zairi Mat Ali, Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Penang Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai, Penang State Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.
Hon Wai hoped that the state’s museums would serve as centres for learning, research and knowledge-sharing.
Admission to the newly reopened branch museum is free until Nov 30.
