GEORGE TOWN: The over 100-year-old Penang State Museum and Art Gallery in Farquhar Street, currently undergoing major restoration, is set to reopen by the end of this year.
Penang Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad said yesterday, the first phase of work, to do with building conservation and restoration, was completed last year.
“Phase two, which is ongoing, involves interior upgrades and fabrication of exhibition materials. Physical progress on site is 32% and we aim to reopen before the end of 2025.”
However, the project cost is not yet public due to ongoing work.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and Penang State Museum board chairman, said regular meetings are held to monitor and expedite the project.
“Interior design and artefact displays are complete, including portraits by Ronnie Mohamad of eight Penang governors.”
The museum temporarily closed in April 2023 for this restoration, which will include rebuilding sections destroyed during World War II in 1942.
Constructed in two phases (1896 and 1906), the building initially housed Penang Free School until its relocation in 1927.
Hutchings School then occupied the premises until the 1896 wing was destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II.
In 1962, the Penang government proposed establishing a state museum. Former Hutchings School pupil and then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman suggested repurposing the building for this purpose.
The Penang Museum officially opened in 1965.
