Head to the Penang Islamic Museum to admire one of the only 19th-century Muslim buildings left in the city and learn about the history of Islam in Penang.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Penang Islamic Museum is the striking building in which it is housed. Take a stroll around the grounds and admire the mansion that once belonged to a local Islamic trader named Syed Alatas. Notice the stark white walls, narrowly peaked roofs and intricate, patterned motifs. These are all typical examples of straits architecture.
Visit the display of 19th-century furniture and imagine the pieces that you see adorning the homes of their former owners. From here, make your way to the museum’s most impressive attraction, a diorama of a dock scene. Look closely and you’ll see that the scene is depicting a haj, or a pilgrimage to Mecca. Numerous pilgrims wait by the docks with the belongings they need for the long journey west.
Stop and view the detailed diorama or learn about famous figures who introduced Islam to the island of Penang. You can also view several artifacts such as furniture and ornaments that would have adorned the homes of Muslim leaders in the city.
Read about the colourful history of the former owner of the building. Besides being a powerful merchant, Syed Alatas was the leader of the Red Flag Secret Society, an organization involved in the Penang Riots of 1867 in which hundreds of people were killed. Find out more about the other influential Muslim figures of the time in the museum’s detailed exhibition.
The Penang Islamic Museum is located in central Penang and is served by several bus routes. Alight at the Lebuh Carnavon stop and walk past the Lebuh Acheh junction. It is closed on Tuesdays and Muslim holidays and there is a small charge for entry.
