George Town street art has transformed the city of Penang into an open air art gallery. Want the ultimate guide to the best street art to see in George Town? Let’s dive in, but first, a bit of history.
History
George Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. To celebrate its rich culture and heritage, the Penang Government asked artists to decorate the walls of George Town. The result?
A phenomenal, vibrant collection of street art that is a major draw card for tourist worldwide.
Murals
All murals are interactive, where you can place yourself in the frame and create your own unique story. Each street corner you pass will have another mural with lines of tourists capturing a photo.
Let’s have a look at the most popular murals in George Town.
Boy on a Chair
The story behind “The boy on a chair” mural is that he is reaching up high for a kite. The artist painted the boy to appear as if he were standing on a real chair. So close and yet so far!
The artist is Ernest Zacharevic, who has created several art pieces that take pride of place in George Town streets.
Location: Lebuh Cannon, George Town.
Children behind window bar
Another Ernest Zacharevic mural is the “Children behind window bar”. A brother and sister inspired the mural who the artist met while in George Town.
Remarkably, they seem happy and not upset about their situation. The innocence and hope of youth captured perfectly.
Location: Lebuh Armenian, George Town.
Kids on Bicycle
The painting again depicts the two siblings who inspired “Children behind window bar”. This time, the girl is riding a bicycle with her younger brother in this iconic Ernest Zacharevic piece.
The younger brother is having the time of his life on the back of the bike, or is he scared? You decide.
Location: Armenian Street, George Town.
Boy on Motorbike
“The Boy on Motorbike” is a blend of art and reality. The artist painted the boy on the wall with a real vintage motorcycle, precisely positioned to complete the picture.
This is another creative piece by the prolific Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic. He found the motorcycle in one of the back streets of George Town and used it in his art. This is what I call upcycling!
Location: Ah Quee Street, George Town.
Don’t wait to book your tour of the George Town street art! Book now with Viator.
Cat Murals
Cat murals are popular in the streets of George Town. Artists for Stray Animals (ASA) painted the 12 murals to raise awareness about abandoned and stray cats.
Here are some cat murals to visit.
Love me like your fortune cat
“Love me like your fortune cat” is a mural featuring a cat looking up at a hanging rat. Its message is simple and twofold- adopt me and love me like you would your fortune cat and the rat is in danger of being the next meal!
Location: Armenian Street, George Town.
Cat near the yellow window
This cat mural exudes a magnificent blend of colours. Yellow, green, red and a grey background makes for a stunning, vibrant and lifelike mural.
Location: Near Lebuh Armenian, George Town.
Cat in the blue window
The “Cat in the blue window” is another Ernest Zacharevic favourite. The cat is staring out of the window, waiting for you to visit. Will you take up the challenge?
Location: Lebuh Armenian near “The boy on the chair” mural.
Cat on the swing
This mural uses the same interactive elements with a cat painted with a solid swing placed in just the right spot. Hang on tight, little kitty!
Location: Chulia Street, George Town.
Cat bike
The “Cat bike” is a clever art piece using old bike parts to create a sculpture of a cat.
Location: Lebuh Cannon, George Town.
And then we have an actual cat!
As you walk around George Town, you’ll see many cats roaming the streets, waiting for food or a pat or just laying in the sun like this one. What a life!
Don’t wait to book your George Town accommodation! Book with Booking.com
Suggested post: 5 best places for cheap bargain shopping in Penang, Malaysia
This page contains affiliate links.
Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
