Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, Penang

Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, Penang (20 May 2023)


Dewan Sri Pinang (GPS: 5.4213, 100.34045) is a multi-purpose auditorium between Light Street and Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah.

Dewan Sri Pinang was built in the early 1970's in the Brutalist architectural style sprawned from the modernist architectural movement. Dewan Sri Pinang serves as a venue for live performances, and is still one of the most popular auditoriums in Penang. For many years, the Penang Public Library used to be housed within Dewan Sri Pinang, but has since been moved to Seberang Perai. On the other hand, the Penang State Art Gallery moved to Dewan Sri Pinang from the upper floor of the Penang State Museum, opening more additional space for itself as well as for the museum.

In front of Dewan Sri Pinang used to be Edinburgh House, a mansion belonging to 19th century Penang tycoon Koh Seang Tat, who donated the Municipal Fountain to the George Town in 1883. Edinburgh House was so named because it housed the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to Penang in 1869. The road running along the side of Dewan Sri Pinang is still called Duke Street.

Even earlier than Edinburgh House, the site was originally the location of Ossidian House, a property belonging to James Scott, the partner to Francis Light. That house is believed to be located near to Green Hall or where Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah is located today, whereas Edinburgh House is located further east, close to the rear of the Town Hall, from which its driveway was named Duke Street.

Behind Edinburgh House, where Dewan Sri Pinang is situated, used to known as Ranong Ground. It belonged to the Khaw Family (patriach Khaw Soo Cheang with prominent son Khaw Sim Bee, grandsons Khaw Joo Tok and Khaw Joo chow). A Khaw family mansion, the Rajah's Lodge, used to stand here. The site was eventually donated to the Municipality.

Getting there

The nearest bus stop is in front of Dewan Sri Pinang. It is served by Rapid Penang bus 103, 204, 502 and CAT.

It is possible to walk to Dewan Sri Pinang from the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. Follow Weld Quay heading in the northeast direction, continuing on King Edward Place and the Light Street, passing the Queen Victoria Memorial Clocktower. After you pass Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama and the Municipal Fountain, you will see Dewan Sri Pinang on your right.

What to see or do

Dewan Sri Pinang is the venue of live performances. It is of no touristic interest unless there is a performance taking place.

Nearby Sights

Dewan Sri Pinang is located within a heritage-rich section of George Town. Within walking distance are the following sights, reference from the front of Dewan Sri Pinang.

Dewan Sri Pinang is on the Map of Light Street, Penang

Dewan Sri Pinang signage. (20 May 2023)


Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, Penang (17 April 2011)


Dewan Sri Pinang, side view (21 August 2011)


Foyer of Dewan Sri Pinang (21 August 2011)


Dewan Sri Pinang Auditorium (16 September 2014)


Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, Penang (30 November 2008)

References

George Town: Heritage Buildings of Penang Island, published by the Penang Island Municipal Council (1994)

List of Auditoriums in Penang and Auditoriums in Malaysia

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