Built in 1962, the museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts
and other historical relics. There are also Malay daggers (jeris), Chinese
furniture, embroidery and paintings of old Penang. The art gallery on the first
floor displays the works of local artists and is the venue for special
exhitions. Find the statue of Captain Francis Light on the grounds in front of
the buildings was modelled after a portrait of his son, William Light, founder
of Adelaide. This stature was removed by the Japanese during WWII but
retrieved and re-erected, minus its sword, after the war.
An interesting section recounts the bloody nine days of rioting between
Chinese secret societies in 1867, attributed by bewildered British authorities
to a rambutan-throwing incident. Georgetown suffered a near civil war before the
administrators took a firm hand. The societies were heavily fined and the
proceeds used to build police stations which subsequently kept the peace.
The background of Penang Museum
As early as 1940, a museum had existed in Penang, located at St. Xavier's
Institution. This modest museum was destroyed during the Second World War. In
1956, under the encouragement of a Mr. Bingham, the nucleus of a new museum took
shape at a residence in Northam Road (Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah). When the
building was demolished, the available collections of artifacts and archives
were scattered. The initiative to run a museum was subsequently left to
historical and arts societies which held lectures, exhibitions and undertook
research.
The proposal to have a state museum in Penang was suggested by the state
government in 1962. The first Prime Minister of the nation, Tunku Abdul Rahman,
had proposed that the existing Hutchings School be utilised for the project. The
school was the premise of the Penang Free School where he and many leading
citizens of the country had been pupils.
Work began in 1963 with the formation of a working committee. By July 1964, both
the receipt of artifacts and reconstruction of the school building were
proceeding smoothly. The State Management Committee was formed and the Museum
was officially opened on 14 April 1965.
In the same year, the art gallery was added to the Museum. The State
Secretary functioned as the Chairman of the Management until 1971, when the
Museum Board Enactment was passed by the State Legislative Assembly. Two years
later in 1973, the State Museum Board was formed and made a statutory body. The
newly-appointed curator was made secretary of the Board to be responsible for
the everyday management of the Museum.
The Museum recently underwent a complete renovation.
Today, the Museum possesses archive and artifacts that are state treasures.
Outstanding amongst these are eight of the ten original oil paintings executed
by Captain Robert Smith (the remaining two being in a private collection).
Other artifacts of note include extensive collections of Baba Nyonya porcelain,
furniture, jewellery and costumes that are unsurpassed in their artistic beauty
and historical value.
The Museum is the history of, and a tribute to, the peoples of the island. It
emphasises the multi-cultural composition of the state and demonstrates unity in
diversity. The inherent grace and cultural heritage of each community are
reflected in the national treasures, cultural and religious performances and the
mores of each individual society.
The displays in the Museum render an instant picture of what Penang was and
what it is today; it is a microcosm of the macrocosm outside, past and present.
Together, the peoples of Penang have attracted and impressed visitors with their
harmonious coexistence such as not seen in many parts of the world. This harmony
continues to weave "a spell which makes those who have never been, wish to go
there, those who live there want to stay, and fills those who have spent their
appointed hour or so with a longing to return" (J.W. Clark, George Town, Penang
Illustrated Guide, Margaret Adams [comp.] 1952).
Unfortunately, as is the case with cities that are developing rapidly, Penang
has lost a significant amount of its identity through the unfortunate
destruction of many of its heritage buildings, monuments and even the renaming
of streets. Still, much of this history and character is bound up in the
remaining artifacts and landmarks.
Realisation that the "survival of historic areas is of capital importance to
every people seeking to preserve their true cultural dimension and their
individuality" (The General Conference of the UNESCO, 1976) has brought
concerned bodies together in their effort to conserve remaining priceless
heritage. Only such concerted efforts will keep alive the past that Penang has.
And it is this past that has imbued Penang with its soul and its presence today.
The State Museum strives to maintain and enhance this heritage for both
Penangites and visitors from near and far.
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