Three heritage sites in Penang will open their doors for free on 15 and 16 September, as the state marks both the fifth anniversary of Penang Hill’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognition and Malaysia Day.
Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced the initiative today, naming the Penang State Automotive Gallery, Fort Cornwallis and the Penang State Museum as the three locations offering complimentary admission, The Sun reported.
“The public, including Penangites, Malaysians from across the country and tourists from abroad, are welcome to take this opportunity to explore history, appreciate the state’s heritage and gain a deeper understanding of Penang’s past,” Wong said in a statement.
The free admission window extends beyond the two-day Malaysia Day period. Wong confirmed that entry to the Automotive Gallery and Fort Cornwallis will remain free until October 2026, giving visitors more time to experience the heritage sites.
Wong said the state government chose to open all three sites during Malaysia Day because cultural heritage is more than a relic of the past. It is a living archive that preserves national memory and shapes community identity.
“Malaysia Day is not just a public holiday. It is a day for us to look back at the formation of the country, understand the diversity of Malaysian culture and strengthen the spirit of nationhood and love for our homeland,” he said.
The Penang State Museum reopened on 24 July after an extensive restoration and conservation project. Since then, more than 47,600 visitors have walked through its galleries, surpassing the museum’s annual target of 30,000 set in December, The Star reported. The museum traces its origins to 1816, when the building first housed Penang Free School before becoming Hutchings School and later a museum in 1964.
The Automotive Gallery, which opened in February 2026 at 57 Macalister Road, showcases Penang’s transport heritage. Fort Cornwallis, situated at Padang Kota Lama, remains one of the most visited colonial-era landmarks in the state.
Wong encouraged the public to make the most of the Malaysia Day public holiday by visiting George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a more complete heritage experience. He suggested starting at Fort Cornwallis, then heading to the newly built Astaka Kota Selera for local food before walking across Padang Kota Lama to photograph the heritage facades of City Hall and Town Hall.
“By visiting historic buildings, appreciating cultural collections and learning about the development of transport in Penang, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Penang’s rich and varied history,” Wong said. “They can also see how the transformation of a city reflects the journey of Malaysia’s history, shaped by cultural diversity and communities growing together.”
The three heritage sites are open from 9am to 5pm on 15 and 16 September. The Automotive Gallery is closed on Fridays and public holidays, but operates on both days of the free-admission period.
