1. Penang Time Tunnel
Wedged in a row of shop houses along Jalan Green Hall in Georgetown, with an unassuming facade is Penang Time Tunnel, the History Museum.
2. cobbler
3. Penang Time Tunnel
Despite its name, this latest Penang tourist destination is actually a combination of attractions that goes beyond just the history of Penang Island, dating back to at least 400 years ago.
4. the beginning of the time tunnel
5. one of the is supposed to be Captain Sir Francis Light
Within the double-storey building is an amazing array of 2D and 3D mural gallery, an interesting 3D Fluorescent Dream World, and an anti-gravity photography corner that would marvel anyone who comes for a visit.
6. labourers from India were brought in as port workers
7. opium smoking among migrant workers
Visitors to Penang Time Tunnel would first have to walk through (all on the ground floor), the eleven time tunnels beginning with Penang in 1592 to 1786 for the Early History of the island.
8. opium-smoking
9. traditional betel nut set
The second tunnel is on the Founder of Penang, Captain Sir Francis Light. Next is on the Growing Multi-racial Population, followed by the Early Period of Straits Settlements.
10. Baba-Nyonya Wares and Wear
11. some of the exhibits
Tunnel Five documents the Penang Riots from 1867 to 1892, while the next tunnel is on the Colony between Eastern and Western Political Movements (1893 – 1911).
12. photo gallery
13. a mother and child during Japanese Occupation
The next five tunnels are on Penang before the End of the Second World War (1912 – 1945), The Age of Post-war Political Turbulence (1945 – 1957), The Recession and Turbulent Years after Independence (1957 – 1969), Laying the Foundation for Industralisation (1969 – 2000) and finally, on the Economic Transformation and Sustainable Development of Penang in 2000 and beyond.
14. vintage devices
15. signing of Instrument of Surrender on board HMS Nelson on 2nd September, 1945
At the end of these tunnels is the “Memory Lane” where photo opportunities are available at an old kopitiam setting, with the bicycle, rickshaw and even with Mr. Bean, which seemed somewhat misplaced.
16. 1950s workers' quarters
17. photo documentation
On the first floor are the 3D mural gallery, 3D Fluorescent Dream World and the anti-gravity room. As you know, to make the best out of 3D art, normally, photographs have to be taken in portrait mode but for the sake of uniformity on this blog, I have adhered to landscape mode for my photos.
18. photo documentation
19. colours of Penang
Said to be the latest top tourist attraction in Penang, it is a destination not to be missed while visiting the island. It helps that most information is made available in up to seven languages, such as English, Malay, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Thai and Chinese. Audio tour is also available, besides a video clip of the air raid on Penang by Japanese warplane during World War II.
20. the Past & Present of Penang
21. 2D photography corner
To really enjoy Penang Time Tunnel, one would need at least two hours. Remember, there’s a lot of reading in the Time Tunnel section, that is if you are interested in the history and development of Penang.
22. 2D photography corner
23. 2D photography corner
So, for the admission fee, I would suggest to allow enough time to really move through the entire two levels. Only ten people are allowed into the tunnel at a time, to avoid congestion.
24. 2D photography corner
25. 3D photography corner
And then there are so many amazing 3D artworks that you just have to pose for a photo. Luckily, even if you visit Penang Time Tunnel alone, there is always a helpful staff member who would willingly hold your camera for you.
26. 3D photography corners
27. 3D photography corner
For me, my favourite has to be the anti-gravity room. That is because as a Perakian, I have no particular interest in the history of Penang, and after the first awe of 3D art at Ipoh‘s Goddess of Mercy cave temple and subsequently at Ipoh Parade Mall, I am a little jaded.
28. 3D photography corner
29. 3D photography corner
Still, if you were to ask me which gallery I prefer, I would have to say that Penang Time Tunnel, by artist WK Setor, is better because the gallery in Ipoh by Uncle Fie is way too commercialised with the many advertisements within each piece of artwork.
30. 3D photography corner
31. 3D photography corner
My concern is that due to space constraints, there may be no room for growth for Penang Time Tunnel, particularly for the attractions on the upper floor.
32. 3D photography corner
33. 3D photography corner
Perhaps, like the 3D exhibition in Ipoh, the artist will repaint certain pieces of work with fresh ones, to keep attracting returning visitors.
34. 3D Fluorescent Dream World
35. 3D Fluorescent Dream World
Do take note that these photos that I am sharing are just a fraction of the attractions available at Penang Time Tunnel, particularly the 3D art gallery. It’s best to make a visit there yourself!
36. 3D photography corner
37. 3D photography corner
Visiting hours:
Mondays – 9.15am – 7.30pm (Last admission at 6.30pm)
Tuesdays to Fridays – 9.15am – 7pm (Last admission at 6pm)
Saturdays / Sundays / Public Holidays: 9.15am – 9pm (Last admission at 8pm)
38. 3D photography corner
Ticket prices:
Adult
with MyKad – RM15
Standard – RM25
Child (5 – 12 years old)
with MyKid – RM7
Standard – RM15
Student (with valid student ID)
with MyKid / MyKad – RM10
Standard – RM15
39. 3D photography corner
Penang Time Tunnel
Add: 39, Jalan Green Hall, 10200 Georgetown, Penang.
Tel: +604-2619181
Web: www.penangtimetunnel.com
Email: pghistorymuseum@gmail.com
40. anti-gravity photography corner
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