George Town, Penang, is a place where art doesn’t just live in galleries—it thrives in the streets. During our visit, we couldn’t stop marveling at the city’s vibrant street art scene. Every wall told a story, every corner offered a surprise, and every discovery felt like uncovering hidden treasure. What made it even more exciting was how interactive and creative the pieces were. Searching for them was more than sightseeing; it became a full-blown adventure, a scavenger hunt we couldn’t get enough of. This post is dedicated to sharing the highlights of our hunt and helping you plan yours.
The Origins of Penang’s Street Art Culture
Penang’s street art culture took root in 2012 with the George Town Festival’s initiative to celebrate the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status. Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic led the movement through his “Mirrors George Town” project, which creatively blended murals with real-life objects to produce interactive and iconic artworks like “Kids on a Bicycle.” His success inspired both local and international artists to contribute, further enriching George Town’s artistic landscape.
The “Marking George Town” series also played a pivotal role in shaping Penang’s street art scene. Commissioned by the Penang State Government, this collection of steel-rod sculptures, designed by artist Tang Mun Kian and others, humorously narrates George Town’s history and culture. Together, these works transformed Penang’s streets into a lively mix of art and storytelling.
Today, Penang’s street art embodies a unique blend of creativity and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world. It stands as a testament to George Town’s vibrant spirit and remains one of the city’s most celebrated attractions.
Our Penang Street Art Favorites
Hunting for street art in George Town isn’t just sightseeing—it’s an adventure. Each mural brings the city to life, weaving stories of its culture, history, and creativity. But with so many murals scattered across the streets, where do you even begin?
To make it easier, we’ve organized our favorite discoveries in Penang by area. From world-famous murals to hidden treasures, this guide will help you explore Penang’s vibrant street art scene with ease. So grab a map, put on comfy shoes, and get ready to uncover the beauty of George Town’s streets!
1. “Kids on a Bicycle” by Ernest Zacharevic
- Where to find it: Armenian Street
- A whimsical mural of two children riding a bicycle, this is arguably George Town’s most iconic piece. Stand or sit next to it and snap a playful picture—it’s almost like you’re part of the art.
2. “Boy on a Motorbike” by Ernest Zacharevic
- Where to find it: Ah Quee Street
- This mural creatively blends a painted boy peeking out from behind a real motorbike. The juxtaposition of the artwork with its rustic surroundings adds to its charm.
3. “I Want Bao” by Ernest Zacharevic
- Where to find it: Armenian Street
- Two mischievous kids peeking out of a window with longing eyes for bao (steamed buns). It makes for a whimsical and lively mural that captures youthful curiosity.
4. “Hoola Hoop Basketball” by Louis Gan
- Where to find it: Chulia Street
- A dynamic mural of two children leaping to score a basket. The addition of a basketball hoop integrated into the artwork makes it feel alive and interactive.
5. “Susu Soya Asli & Segar” (Original and Fresh Soy Milk) by Julia Volchkova
- Where to find it: Chulia Street
- This mural captures a warm scene of an elderly lady serving soy milk to children. It’s a nostalgic nod to local culture and the traditions that make Penang special.
6. “Brother and Sister on a Swing” by Louis Gan
- Where to find it: Chulia Street
- Featuring two children swinging next to a real metal swing set, this mural invites interaction and is ideal for photos that blend art and reality.
7. “Property”, part of the “Marking George Town” series by Julian Lefty Kam
- Where to find it: Victoria Street
- This sculpture celebrates the expansion of the quays between Beach Street and Weld Quay. This development paved the way for the construction of warehouses and other commercial structures. It also reflects a pivotal period when steamships, which needed deeper harbors, were beginning to replace traditional sailing ships.
8. “The Duck”, part of the “Marking George Town” series by Tang Mun Kian
- Where to find it: Che Em Lane
- This quirky steel-rod sculpture brings to life the history of Che Em Lane, also known as “Chicken Alley.” The playful design depicts a man interacting with a duck, humorously representing the poultry trade and the bustling atmosphere of Penang’s markets that once thrived in the area.
9. “Double Role”, part of the “Marking George Town” series by Tang Mun Kian
- Where to find it: Chulia Street and Beach Street intersection
- This sculpture depicts an Indian-origin policeman, specifically a Punjabi. It highlights the dual responsibilities officers once held, referencing the Beach Street fire station, where, until 1909, policemen also took on the role of firefighters when required.
10. “Ah Quee?”, part of the “Marking George Town” series by Reggie Lee
- Where to find it: Ah Quee Street
- This witty steel-rod sculpture humorously depicts Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, a prominent historical figure, and a playful conversation about the street’s name. Its cartoonish style captures the multicultural and quirky spirit of George Town.
11. “Photographer” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: the Umbrella Alley
- This vibrant, cartoonish mural features a playful depiction of a photographer holding a vintage camera. The bold colors and whimsical style make it a standout piece. For a fun twist, strike a pose as if you’re having your photo “taken” by him!
12. “Boy on Chair” by Ernest Zacharevic
- Where to find it: Cannon Street
- A mural of a boy stretching upward, as if to grab something just out of reach. The clever use of a real wooden chair adds a 3D effect to the scene.
13. “Window Cat” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Cannon Street
- This vibrant mural of a cat peering out of a colorful blue window is sure to delight animal lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
14. “Owl Standing” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Cannon Street
- A witty pun brought to life with two adorable owls painted on a pillar, bringing a bit of humor and charm to the streets of George Town.
15. “Cat on a Swing” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Cannon Street
- This adorable mural of a kitten sitting on a wooden swing is as playful as it is endearing, making it a favorite among visitors.
16. “Street Sink Art” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Cannon Street
- A quirky, black-and-white piece depicting a humorous scene on wooden panels. Perfect for those who enjoy hidden gems.
17. “Butterfly Cat” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Cannon Street
- A playful mural of a cat with colorful butterfly wings, wearing quirky aviator goggles. It blends whimsy with street art charm and is perfect for animal lovers. The adjacent sculpture of a cat, crafted from repurposed bicycle parts, adds a creative touch, making this a delightful stop for both mural and sculpture enthusiasts.
18. “Kapal Haji” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Cannon Street
- This striking mural celebrates Penang’s historical role as a departure point for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca. It features a grand Hajj ship, its ropes and masts meticulously detailed, with whimsical clouds overhead adding a dreamy touch.
19. “Phoenix and Dragon” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Carnarvon Street
- This stunning mural showcases a phoenix and dragon in vivid red and blue hues, beautifully symbolizing prosperity, harmony, and balance. The most striking aspect of this artwork is its incredible illusion of depth—though painted in 2D, the intricate details and skillful shading make the dragon appear as if it’s winding and twisting through the brickwork, almost alive.
20. “Children on a Slide” by Local Artist
Where to find it: Buckingham Street
A whimsical scene of two children playing on a whale-shaped slide. The bright yellow backdrop makes it stand out beautifully.
21. Girl on Scooter, by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Chew Jetty
- A vibrant mural of a girl riding a scooter, surrounded by colorful birds and fish. The bright, cheerful tones evoke a sense of freedom and adventure, making it a standout piece at the jetty.
22. “Ting Ting Thong”, part of the “Marking George Town series by Baba Chuah
- Where to find it: Seck Chuan Lane, Core Zone
- This playful steel-rod sculpture depicts vendors selling rock candy, paying homage to the bustling market culture that once thrived. Its whimsical details bring to life Penang’s old-world charm.
23. “Man Selling Pau” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Leith Street
- This mural depicts a traditional Chinese bun seller, offering a glimpse into George Town’s culinary and cultural heritage.
24. “Trishaw Kids” by Ernest Zacharevic
- Where to find it: Keng Kwe Street
- A sequel to the other more famous mural “I want Bao”, this vibrant mural features two cheerful children riding a trishaw, with one laughing joyfully as if inviting you to join their playful adventure. The mural incorporates a real trishaw cart, blending 2D art with a 3D element to make it interactive and lifelike.
25. “Teh Tarik Man” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Keng Kwe Street
- A depiction of a traditional tea-pulling vendor, complete with the iconic long pour. This mural is a tribute to one of Malaysia’s most beloved drinks.
26. “Boy on a Red Stool” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Keng Kwe Street
- A whimsical mural of a young boy sitting on a red stool under hanging birdcages. Visitors can interact with the art to make it come to life.
27. “Coffee Break” by Local Artist
- Where to find it: Keng Kwe Street
- A heartwarming mural of an elderly man and a woman enjoying coffee and snacks at a small table. The shadowed backdrop adds to its intimate charm.
Your Turn to Discover Penang’s Hidden Art Gems
Penang’s street art isn’t just about murals; it’s about the experience. Exploring George Town’s streets turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip, transforming a regular day into an exhilarating quest. We found ourselves laughing, posing, and marveling at the creativity displayed in every corner. It’s no wonder we’re already planning another round of street art hunting on our next visit. So grab your map, put on comfy shoes, and let Penang’s artful streets captivate you too!
Additional Sculptures in the “Marking George Town” Series
There are 52 unique sculptures in the “Marking George Town” series. To explore more sculptures not covered in this guide, check out this comprehensive cheat sheet provided by Penang Global Tourism: Marking George Town.
More to Explore in Penang and Malaysia
Looking for more travel inspiration in Malaysia? Discover additional exciting activities in Penang and beyond in our detailed Malaysia travel guide: Malaysia for First-Timers: An Ultimate Travel Guide.
The End. Happy Exploring!
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