5 Unique museums in Penang that are actually interesting

Odd Interests: 5 Unique museums in Penang that won’t bore you

Angela Goh

30 Jun 2017

1/5
TeddyVille Museum
Your little ones will definitely love this museum. As its name implies, it is a museum that houses fluffy teddy bears! Being Malaysia’s first and largest collection of teddy bears from around the world and from various eras (as early as the 1900s!), you’ll be regaled with tales of the history and origins of the teddy bear. Your kids will be wowed by the different sizes of bears they will find here, from miniature bears to human-sized bears, all cute and cuddly!

Ground Floor (inside the building) 56, Jalan Low Yat, Batu Feringghi Penang, Malaysia

Photo: TeddyVille Museum Facebook
2/5
Ghost Museum Penang
No, this isn’t a haunted house, so don’t mistake it for a theme park attraction! Instead, this is a museum dedicated to introducing you to ghosts from various cultures around the world. There are also props, costumes, and photo ops that will ensure plenty of great snaps from your visit. From headless ghosts to Chinese zombies, garner some strange knowledge and immerse yourself in creepy folklore at this intriguing (and terrifying) museum.

57, Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown 10100 George Town, Malaysia

Photo: Ghost Museum Penang Facebook
3/5
The Camera Museum
Camera fans will love this museum. It is much larger than you first think as you walk in. Located in a restored 2-storey traditional shophouse to shroud you in an atmosphere of nostalgia, the museum takes your through time, with antique cameras on display, unique exhibits, and even a souvenir shop with quirky camera related gifts. This is a must-visit for any camera enthusiast with a penchant for photography, film or otherwise.

49, Jalan Muntri, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Photo: The Camera Museum
4/5
Wonderfood Museum Penang
Ever heard of an interactive food museum? Well, now you have. Wonderfood Museum Penang is the place to be if you want see what Penang’s local food culture is like. With food displays that look identical to the real thing (no, you can’t actually eat them), they’ll make your tummy rumble incessantly as you wander the different zones. With over 100 types of street food and traditional dishes from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines on display here, you’re probably going to leave the museum hungry and in search of what you just saw!

49, Lebuh Pantai Pinang George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Photo: Wonderfood Museum Penang Facebook
5/5
Colonial Penang Museum
For a more educational experience, learn a little more about Penang’s history through the unique artifacts preserved from the colonial era at this museum. Showcasing the likes of handwritten parchment documents by Penang founder Captain Francis Light, white carrara marble statues by Atelier R. Bigazzi Florence, and beautiful artworks influenced by the west, the museum will offer a tantalising glimpse of what Penang was like during its colonial days.

7, Jalan Ds. Ramanathan Scott RD, Taman Pulau Pinang, 10350 Penang, Malaysia

Photo: Colonial Penang Museum Facebook

From a ghost museum to a vintage camera museum, Penang offers more than just the usual!

When it comes to Penang, George Town in particular, you might be tempted to think of amazing street food, overly hipster cafes, and an intriguing old-world charm. While this is certainly the case, perhaps you might be interested in some of the more unorthodox tourist attractions that the state offers visitors. Have you considered the museum scene in Penang? If not, let us tell you right now that it’s more than just the usual historical museums filled with dusty artifacts and dry prose. There are plenty weird and wonderful museums that will surprise you.

Head up to the gallery to find out what you can add to your itinerary the next time you’re in Penang for a visit!

Angela Goh

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