Penang offers a rich musical scene dripping with local and regional talent. Visitors will find an entire museum dedicated to the island’s musical history, as well as countless live music venues. In fact, music lovers will find most genres in Penang – from jazz to rock, heavy metal to R & B, there is something for everyone in George Town.
Penang House of Music
The Penang House of Music gives visitors a taste of the island’s rich musical heritage. Opened in 2007, the exhibition venue records vivid aspects of music culture from Penang’s history up to present day. Exhibits include memorabilia, instruments, recordings and more, related to the city’s famous artists and groups. With a focus on pop culture, visitors can purchase a range of CDs and books at the gift shop that feature the city’s most prominent musicians.
Address: Komtar, L4-02, Level 4, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: +604 – 370 6675
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Saturday: 11:30am – 2:00pm; 2:30pm – 5:00pm
– Sunday: Closed
Admission Cost:
Malaysians
– Adults: RM20
– Children above 5 yrs: RM10
– Students (with valid ID): RM10
– Children below 5 yrs: Free
Foreigners
– Adults: RM30
– Children above 5yrs: RM15
– Students (with valid ID): RM15
– Children below 5 yrs: Free
Website
The Canteen at China House
This performing arts venue doubles as a bistro and is in central George Town. Considered a hipster hive that offers live music, visitors will enjoy a range of bands and solo performances weekly that include jazz, indie and other musical styles. The venue is inside a traditional heritage building made up of an open-air courtyard and several other spaces, including shops, cafes and galleries. While focused primarily on live music, other performances include weekly standup comedy.
Address: No. 183b, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300, Penang
Phone: +604 – 263 7299
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 am
– Sunday: 9:00am – 12:00am
Admission Cost: N/A
Website
Soundmaker Studio
Soundmaker Studio is an indie live house, offering stage performances as well as facilities for recording and music production. Considered an underground music club, the venue specializes in metal, heavy and alternative rock music. Attracting artists from around the region, Soundmaker also offers music production classes to aspiring artists. The venue is a well-known platform for local musicians, with regular gigs attracting locals and tourists. It is in George Town, close to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Address: 18, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: +6017 – 428 7327
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Friday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
– Saturday, Sunday: 2:00 pm – 12:00 am
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
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