Penang House of Music

Awesome experience in the music museum. The staffs were nice and knowledgeable, able to provide us the information on music industry development in here. Got to know more on how the music industry grew especially between 50s and 70s. We got the chance to play the instruments there, as well as experiencing how the DJ works like. There is in interacting wall which you will hear the songs the artist sang or played instrument when the phone is scanned on certain artists on the wall. Would encourage people to visit this hidden gem if you are in Penang.

It’s that rare gem which deserves to be on the top of your to-do list in Penang.
Much more than a gallery, it is a journey through the rich and diverse musical heritage of Penang, using direct interaction with instruments, artifacts, and experiences.
The lively and informative narration of Elaine, the guide, elevates the entire experience to the next level. And it all ends tastefully with a breathtaking VR performance that will transport you to the stage with the legends.
This is an unforgettable and immersive experience that will make you fall in love with music all over again. The Penang House of Music is a one of a kind experience that one just can't afford to miss.

This gem of the island is unfortunately closing this month. History of a state thru its musical heritage ia uncommon in Malaysia, and the collection here can rival those of thw national one. It is very unfortunate to see it close; may there be hope for this great museum.

This is a hidden gem in Penang and a must see if you are into music. Phenomenal tour walking you through historical influences of music in the area. Including displays, audio recordings and instruments you can try. Done in a perfect manor, plenty of details but not overwhelming. Totally appropriate for kids as the interactive instruments give them fun stuff to do. Even though we had taken several other tours while here, this experience taught us even more about the region and its history.

Location is a little tricky so here’s how you can get there: Grab or walk over to Digital ICT Mall Komtar or Nasi Kandar Komtar, head into the entrance by the side and go up the escalator on the left to L4.

We had a wonderful time through the guided tour by Elaine, she was patient and passionate in sharing about the history of music in Penang. The exhibition was well designed with plenty of hands-on segments.

Highly recommended if you have limited time in Penang. Get to learn more about Penang through its unique musical history.

Definately one of the top places to visit in Penang. A treasure trove of memorabilia showcasing the evolution of the music scene in Penang. Vast collection of instruments and sound clips. Elaine who is one of the guises at the museum gave us a guided tour. I was very impressed by her passion for music. The owner mike who is a musician spoke to is and gave us insights into the hey days of the penang music scene from the 40’s to the 70’s. One of the highlights was a virtual reality concert that was filmed back in the 40’s. Wish I could rate this place more than 5 stars.

One of the best museums I’ve ever been to. You learn so much about penangs music history. And the staff is very passionate about it. We got a private tour and it was very fun and informative. You can try many different music instruments- it is just awesome!
In my opinion a Must-Visit when you come to Penang.

This is such a wonderful museum, a real labour of love. It basically tells the history of Penang through its music. It's interactive, informative, entertaining and has just so many layers of historical and cultural significance. We had the pleasure of being taken on a superb guided tour by Kevin Theseira and got to meet the awesome founder Paul Augustin, too. It's all painstakingly and rigorously researched and presented very engagingly. And the entire collection will give you an inspiring view of the sexy, super-diverse and organically multicultural history of Malaysia that is often obscured by the news headlines about the country's current political landscape. Be sure to check out the shop as well!

Summary: A criminally underated attraction that showcases the evolution of music in Penang. The entrance fees is really low at RM20 for a Malaysian adult for the history preserved inside, added bonus on the tour guide the place offer for visitor to appreciate local art much more. It is a gem worth visiting for all locals and foreigners, hopefully preserved for the future to come.

Long story: The house of music, with the price of RM20 for adult Malaysian, will be given a guided tour, will know:
1) The varieties of music and plays from different races
2) The history of music from the Japanese colonism to Malayan emergency in 1948
3) The local stars of music, including P.Ramlee
4) The evolution of music storage technology
5) The history of local entertainment

It is also interactive after the guided tour, giving a chance for anyone to play around instruments not encased, and a chance to listen local music ranging from English, Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil. Check out the messages of the past from the newspaper clips and posts scattered around, and what local players look like.

This museum has everything perfectly maintained, and Elaine is cool and passionate. They should start a YouTube channel. A museum of the highest standard, everything works, displays are high quality and the curator knows the content.

Has a radio studio inside and high tech everything.

Lovers of music and history of technology for music will love this place.

Fantastic tour of the Penang house of music provided by Elaine! Really had lots of fun playing the instruments and learning about the rich history of Penang and Malayan music. Must visit if you are in Penang.

It was one of the best museums I have ever visited in Penang. The museum is wonderful as it has interactive sessions (eg playing some of the musical instruments) and even a VR headset! The presenter is also very passionate and dedicated, she willing to spent time with us and explain the history of music in a way that everyone understands. Overall, definitely a 5 star ⭐ rating because it was a fun trip

Location: If you see my 4th photo, you can go inside. The museum is located in 4th floor.

Fee: 30ringgit.

Guide: Guide will explan to you about 45 minutes. and then you can look around for yourself. She is very kind and knowledgable.

Everything is good. Air-conditioner makes you cool.

We had the best time at the Penang House of Music! Such an immersive experience, enhanced by the guided tour (Elaine, Kelvin, Paul were all so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate). A great place to spend a couple of hours filled with music, experiencing a time long gone.

A must visit if you’re ever in Penang!

This museum is one of the best I've visited. Very informative and attractive. Specifically exhibits things related to Penang's music history, which is influenced by Melayu, Chinese, and western music and cultures. The displays are interesting, and there are corners where visitors can try many interesting things like playing musical instruments, being a radio DJ, listening to many kinds of traditional and old music, and also try the VR video. Every visitor will get 1 tour guide and my guide, Kevin, was very informative. He can also plays music instruments and take pictures well (thank you!!!). This museum is situated on 4th floor of Komtar. The ticket price is RM 30 per person. A bit expensive but once you see the collections, you'll feel that it worths the money.

Super dope joint! I really wish every Penangite could see this place and get an idea of their home’s unique potential for creative generation. If you know the foundation your home sits on, you know to what heights you could build it. Deposit your kids here for an air-conditioned hour, bring your date to show off how cultured you are, bring amah and ahkong so they can dwell in nostalgia for a while.

I pulled up on my own after a friend bailed and ended up getting a superb one-one-one tour from Elaine. It was informative, absorbing, and just a straight up good time banging away on instruments and hearing about the shenanigans at New World Park in the good ‘ole days (not just hawkers, lemme tell you … go find out for yourself what was going on ;). I’m always hearing about the bygone days of a more harmonious, multicultural Penang from my older relatives and this is the first time I felt I got a glimpse of what they mean by that. I’m sure it wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was still cool to learn that over a century ago musicians were coming to Pulau Pinang, from different races and various corners of the world, all in service of making hard bops.

Sadly, the museum is having funding issues and might have to close soon. Would hate to see it falling prey to the creeping corporatization of the city and getting converted into another plain-Jane office or shop, burying Penang’s rich history under the carnage of American or Korean pop… If the city of Penang and her people wants to take its role as preserver of cultural heritage seriously they should turn their energy, attention, and resources here ASAP. It can’t rely on the occasional foreign tourist to stay alive and kicking.

This is a wonderful museum. It has guided tours. We were shown around by Jocelyn who explained to us the history of Penang music. Incredible that Penang has a music heritage dating back to 1930's.

Fascinating to hear about Penang’s musical roots. A must for music lovers.
Also, Kevin gave us some great tips on where to go for live music in Georgetown.

Good guiding and clear explanation, there are also interactions during the museum (they will ask u some knowledges, thinking and also make u experience the musical instruments there if it's not locked) gained lots of knowledge and also had fun there. Definitely recommended!! U won't regret coming here. U can know lots of history about music and instruments with just a low price (there's also student price which is half from adult's) :) no need to queue btw

An excellent and meaningful exhibition to learn about Penang, music, and music history in the local! It’s underrated and require of more supports. I’m not a music fan or expert but I spent a fantastic 2.5 hour here. The guided tour is worthy, knowledgeable, fun. They had some interactive activities, nice setting for pictures, cute instruments along with the display. The staff addressed many of questions about Malaysia friendly, like a Wikipedia! So great ! One of the highlights in my stay in Penang.