Penang House of Music
Penang House of Music
5
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
About
A celebration of Penang's glorious musical heritage and cultural diversity with carefully curated exhibitions and interactive features. We showcase, among many things, Penang's popular music from the 1940s-1960s, a feature on communal music, a recreation of a radio booth and cinema, and many others! Also available is a resource center where visitors may discover an ever-growing vinyl collection, newspaper clippings, previously unreleased recordings, audio and video interviews and many, many more.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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from RMÂ 32.98
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
219 reviews
Excellent
203
Very good
13
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Debbie O
6 contributions
Mar 2023
This is a wonderful history of music and how it evolved during the different time periods. Kevin was a great guide and shared so much information with us.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cat
Woodend, Australia7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
A fantastic and little-known highlight of Penang. Hidden away on the upper level of Komtar mall. We had a free tour guide who was expert and passionate. Great thing to do in the heat of the day. Plenty of interactive experiences and the chance to play some of the instruments and work the radio desk. Recommended for families and adults interested in the origins of modern music. Plenty of stories and history of how music played a big part in people’s lives up to the 1970’s. Amazing to see so much memorabilia collected and now preserved from so many people from the last 150 years and to hear that some, now in their 80’s continue to be involved and even perform.
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
waget
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia400 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Visited with my husband and daughter. We learned so much about music, history and culture from the team. We got to try different instruments, appreciate different sounds and experience music in many ways. The place is well thought of and the collection and its presentation is well done.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jac
33 contributions
Nov 2022
So much care has been taken in crafting this museum and the experience. they have something for everyone - there's hands on playing of instruments, VR experiences, sound pods, a library, a radio station - it's just so well done. and you get a personalised tour to take you around to begin with and then explore as much as you like after.
i would recommend this to everyone - i had a great time and learnt so much. everyone was so so friendly and helpful and were incredibly passionate about maintaining their culture thorough music.
i would recommend this to everyone - i had a great time and learnt so much. everyone was so so friendly and helpful and were incredibly passionate about maintaining their culture thorough music.
Written 28 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
huiweikuok
7 contributions
May 2022
Came to Penang a couple of times but never heard about this place before, so decided to give it a try. This is one of the Penang’s hidden gems. I was greeted by a lovely lady Elaine, my tour guide, who brought me back to the history of music in Penang. The whole tour took around 2 hours, but you will never feel the time passed, as they emphasize on engaging your senses. You are encourage to touch, feels and listen to the instruments. Had a blast here and hopefully more people can discover this place too. Please make an appointment at 012-416 1550 before drop by as they are following a strict SOP due to covid.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karina Yong
7 contributions
Dec 2021
This place is wonderful! An interactive lesson in the richness of the past, history seen through the lens of music. We had 5 children with us, between the ages of 9-12 and they all agreed it was cool and interesting and were kept engaged for a good 2 hours. It was nice to speak to them after and listen to the things that especially captured their attention. The treasure hunt in the end was genius! Thank you Penang House of Music for a great initiative.
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Too Charmyn
Kulai, Malaysia4 contributions
Sep 2020
If you are a first timer here in Penang, and you LOVE music.. this place is a MUST VISIT! Not only that the staffs are friendly, but they are willing to let you interact with the instruments. It is a music museum, so you'll learn a lot about Penang's history and how Western music was able to influence music in Penang back in the 1950s.
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for visiting us! hope you will come back again soon Stay Safe
Written 24 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hsian
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia35 contributions
Oct 2020
This place is probably one of my favourite finds for this trip to Penang. We tried to go for places that were in the open air and less crowded due to the Covid situation that was escalating nationwide. I looked for things to do around our hotel, @hoteljenpenang that was pretty centrally located. So the @penanghouseofmusic came up on my radar. Lots of good reviews plus very child-friendly. Located on the 4th floor of the quiet KOMTAR Digital Mall, it was just a 5-minute walk from our hotel.
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At the current time, visitors have to call ahead to book a visit and visits are limited to only 10 people each time (as they sanitise the place and items after you leave).
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This museum was fascinating and fun for both adults and kids. You get a lot of value for money for the very reasonably priced ticket as it gives you an almost two hour personal tour of the place, and are allowed to walk around on your own afterwards. Our lovely guide Elaine gave us a great overview about the history of music in Malaysia and an overall tour that was not only educational but entertaining. I liked that the information was not oversimplified or dumbed down for children because as a person who also works on art programmes for children, I always believe they do have great capacity to absorb new things. My children were kept engaged on the tour as there were many interactive stations where they could try out different instruments (traditional and contemporary) and equipment (including an old record player and a DJ Console).
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There was also really good incorporation of new technology that allowed us to listen to and experience old classic songs in a new way e.g. listening stations, VR live concert experience. The museum also plays a cultural preservation role as it is spearheading the digitalization of old music records. I highly recommend a visit to this place if you are a family who loves music like mine or simply one who would like to learn new things about Malaysia!
—
At the current time, visitors have to call ahead to book a visit and visits are limited to only 10 people each time (as they sanitise the place and items after you leave).
—
This museum was fascinating and fun for both adults and kids. You get a lot of value for money for the very reasonably priced ticket as it gives you an almost two hour personal tour of the place, and are allowed to walk around on your own afterwards. Our lovely guide Elaine gave us a great overview about the history of music in Malaysia and an overall tour that was not only educational but entertaining. I liked that the information was not oversimplified or dumbed down for children because as a person who also works on art programmes for children, I always believe they do have great capacity to absorb new things. My children were kept engaged on the tour as there were many interactive stations where they could try out different instruments (traditional and contemporary) and equipment (including an old record player and a DJ Console).
—
There was also really good incorporation of new technology that allowed us to listen to and experience old classic songs in a new way e.g. listening stations, VR live concert experience. The museum also plays a cultural preservation role as it is spearheading the digitalization of old music records. I highly recommend a visit to this place if you are a family who loves music like mine or simply one who would like to learn new things about Malaysia!
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to spend your day with us. We are glad that your children enjoyed themselves and also gained an insight to our rich and beautiful History. Wishing you and the family all the best and stay safe. Thank you once again for sharing your experience at Penang House of Music
Written 24 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heidi S
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2 contributions
Jul 2020
The Penang House of Music was set up to display the history of Malaysia's music scene. The people working here really knew their stuff. Firstly, we were taken through the gallery which was arranged in a time line moving from the 1930s to the present day. Each exhibit had photos and information on various different types of music like the Ronggeng, Bangsawan, Dondang Sayang and others. There’s even a music booth where you can listen to what these different songs were like. The gallery is also incredibly interactive; there is a VR room to see a performance in 3D, a radio room and even a cinema room.
The Penang House of Music is on Level 3 of Komtar in Georgetown. I know people usually visit Penang for the food and the beaches, but I would really recommend that you visit this special gallery. Give them the support they need to stay open and to continue their work in collecting and archiving all these amazing musical treasures (because, no one else is doing it). Check out their website, go visit them and tell all your friends as well.
The Penang House of Music is on Level 3 of Komtar in Georgetown. I know people usually visit Penang for the food and the beaches, but I would really recommend that you visit this special gallery. Give them the support they need to stay open and to continue their work in collecting and archiving all these amazing musical treasures (because, no one else is doing it). Check out their website, go visit them and tell all your friends as well.
Written 24 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you very much for articulating your experience at Penang House of Music. We are truly glad we managed to share and impart to you the importance of documenting history. We hope to see you again soon.
Written 24 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie
1 contribution
Jul 2020
The tour. It's informative and fun, wouldn't have experienced it the same without tour guide. Elaine shared us a lot of stories where we wouldn't find it anywhere on the Internet about local music and the history/development of Penang music.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you very much for your review. Our Front of house staff are always happy to guide you on the current and past developments of the local Music. We wish you well and stay safe
Written 24 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PENANG HOUSE OF MUSIC (George Town) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Penang House of Music
- Penang House of Music is open:
- Wed - Wed 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Wed - Wed 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Fri - Sat 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Fri - Sat 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Penang House of Music can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 2 Penang House of Music tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Penang House of Music:
- (0.08 km) JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
- (0.16 km) The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang
- (0.14 km) The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel
- (0.21 km) Noordin Street House
- (0.27 km) Noordin Mews
- Restaurants near Penang House of Music:
- (0.04 km) Art Nature Cafe
- (0.13 km) Wembley Cafe
- (0.14 km) Top View Restaurant & Lounge
- (0.13 km) Rabbit Softserve
- (0.10 km) Cafè Jen