Penang Old Town Hall

Wednesday, February 08 2012

NICKNAMED Ang Mo Kong Kuan by the Straits Chinese, which literally means European Club, the Old Town Hall was once a premier place for George Town’s social events, balls, public speeches, art exhibitions and amateur concerts for the town’s European community.

Located along Jalan Padang Kota Lama, the old Town Hall was the oldest Municipal Building in Penang. Its foundation was first laid on 1st January 1879 by Lt. Governor Sir Archibald Edward Harbord Anson. The building occupies a land area of 70,711 square feet facing the famous Esplanade. Upon completion in 1880, the building was officiated by Frederick Weld, the then Governor of the Straits Settlements.

Apart from administrative and social functions, the Old Town Hall housed the Penang Library for more than 20 years after the Prince of Wales Library was moved there from the old Chinese Protectorate Office in Downing Street.

This is howTour Malaysia describe its architecture:

"Built in Western architectural style with classical arches, columns, pilasters, quoins, ornamental elements on roof parapet and balustrades, this two-storey building consists of a front portico, an assembly hall, a ballroom with adjoining supper rooms, a performance stage, office rooms and a library. The Old Town Hall was later renovated with its side wing extended and a covered balcony added over the front portico to provide a better view overlooking the sport and recreational activities in the grounds. The building had been extended several times in its history in 1890, 1903, 1938, 1958 and 1991 to accommodate the increasing demand for internal space."

In July 1993, it was gazetted an historic building by the National Museum after some quarters considered demolishing it.

Interestingly, in 2003, an archaeological excavations unearthed a small tunnel with a 96cm opening underneath the building. Artifacts discovered included broken pieces of pottery, Chinese roof tiles, bricks, glasses, porcelain and coins and even nails. (Tourism Penang)

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