Penang Heritage Centre (World Heritage Office), George Town

Penang Heritage Centre or Pusat Warisan Pulau Pinang, at 116 & 118 Acheen Street, is a government body under the State Economic Planning Unit of the Penang State Government. It was set up in June 1995 with an objective to instil a sense of awareness of local history and cultural heritage, and to encourage developers, property owners and heritage lovers to restore heritage buildings by realising their economic potential. With the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the centre is now also George Town World Heritage Inc.

Penang Heritage Centre was initially housed in the Syed Alatas Mansion, which today houses the Penang Islamic Museum. In August 2002, it was moved next door, to the corner lot between Carnavon Street and Armenian Street. This building once housed the clinic of Dr Ong Huck Chye, who was also a Municipal Commissioner during the 1930's.

Under the new state government, the Penang Heritage Centre plays a second role as the Penang Tourist Information Centre. According to state executive committee member in charged of tourism, culture, arts and heritage, Danny Law, tourists can come and receive information about the various sights in the inner city.

Getting there

The Penang Heritage Centre can be reached by taking the Rapid Penang Bus 10, 301, 302, 307, 401 and U502, disembarking at Lebuh Carnavon. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes for details. Walk along Lebuh Carnavon to the junction with Lebuh Armenian. The Penang Heritage Centre is at the left corner of the junction.

What to see and do there

View exhibits of old Penang, including displays of shophouses until different periods. There are also interesting Life in Penang Dioramas.

Nearby Sights

The following sights are reference against the main entrance of the Penang Heritage Centre.

Penang Islamic Museum: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left and walk along Lebuh Armenian. The Penang Islamic Museum is at the left side of Lebuh Armenian, next to the Penang Heritage Centre.

Dr Sun Yat Sen's Penang Base: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left and walk along Lebuh Armenian. Dr Sun Yat Sen's Penang Base is at 120 Lebuh Armenian, on the left.

Li Teik Seah Building: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, cross Lebuh Carnavon and then turn left.. A short distance down the street is Li Teik Seah Building, on the right.

Yap Kongsi: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left and walk along Lebuh Armenian. A short distance down the street is Yap Kongsi, on the right.

Choo Chay Keong Temple: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left and walk along Lebuh Armenian. A short distance down the street is Choo Chay Keong Temple, on the right, at the junction with Medan Cannon.

Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left and walk along Lebuh Armenian. After crossing the junction with Medan Cannon, you reach the entrance archway to Hock Teik Cheng Sin on your right.

Cheah Kongsi: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left and walk along Lebuh Armenian. After crossing the junction with Medan Cannon, continue a short distance, past Lorong Soo Hong on your left, and you will reach the entrance archway to Cheah Kongsi on the left.

Khoo Kongsi (Leong San Tong): Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left and walk along Lebuh Armenian. After crossing the junction with Medan Cannon, turn right into Medan Cannon. The entrance archway to Khoo Kongsi is on your left, a short distance down Medan Cannon.

Acheen Street Mosque: Coming out from the Penang Heritage Centre, turn left, cross Lebuh Armenian to Lebuh Acheh. The Acheen Street Mosque is on the right side of Lebuh Acheh, across the junction of Medan Cannon.

Visiting Penang

If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!