Penang House of Music

Is it possible for a building to sing? The Penang House of Music doesn’t just stand here. It sings with the echoes of Malaysia’s vibrant musical past. The Penang House of Music is more than a museum. It’s a living, breathing testament to the rich musical heritage of Penang and Malaysia. Located on the 4th floor of the ICT Digital Mall, this interactive gallery invites you to step into a world of rhythm, melody, and cultural significance. The Penang House of Music opened its doors in 2016. It showcases the evolution of music in Penang from the 1930s to the 1970s. Here, you can explore the traditional music of Penang’s diverse communities, including genres like bangsawan, boria, ronggeng, and dondang sayang. The Penang House of Music features exhibits on influential musicians who shaped the soundscape of the nation. Want to try your hand at being a puppeteer? The Penang House of Music has a motion sensor Potehi. This lets you manipulate puppets on a screen. Or perhaps you’d prefer to relax and listen to the popular music of the era in the listening chair or dome. The Penang House of Music also offers virtual and augmented reality experiences, a broadcasting booth, and a cinema room. You can even see local and traditional instruments. The Penang House of Music also houses a “Black Box”. This multi-purpose space hosts exhibitions and performances, accommodating 100 to 150 people. Events like “The River Stairs & The Babus of Nayanjore” and “Kisah Pulau Pinang” have graced this stage. For those seeking a deeper dive into Malaysia’s musical history, the Penang House of Music’s resource center is a treasure trove. It boasts over 30,000 mixed media items. These include photographs, vinyl records, reel tapes, rare oral histories, books, and magazines. Sadly, despite its rich collection and international recognition, the Penang House of Music faced financial difficulties and closed its doors in March 2024. Yet, its legacy lives on. The Penang House of Music stands as a reminder of the power of music to connect us to our past. It allows us to celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of Malaysia.