Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery in Penang
Penangites, if you spot a Darth Vader helmet-esque building peeking above a row of trees as you drive along The Light City area – surprise, surprise, it isn’t a gigantic Darth Vader helmet.
The turtle shell-shaped establishment is, in fact, Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, constructed to house the works of a renowned Singaporean artist, Lin Xiang Xiong. The huge 7-storey gallery is expected to open its doors to the public by December 2025.
A turtle-shaped art gallery by a famed Singaporean artist
Image adapted from: Penang Property Talk
Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery aims to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest private art galleries.
Located along the shores of The Light Waterfront in Penang, jutting out slightly into the Penang Strait, the 7-storey building is the product of a collaboration between famed Singaporean artist Professor Lin Xiang Xiong and IJM Corporation Berhad. It’s set to become a living archive of Lin’s prolific artworks, while also housing the works of emerging artists across the region.
Image adapted from: Penang Property Talk
Somewhat resembling a mini version of the Sydney Opera House, the art gallery is said to be a visual extension of Lin’s artistic philosophy, which frequently delves into intentional themes of humanity and harmony.
While the architecture of the outside is eye-catchingly contemporary, its interiors are thoughtfully curated to give visitors a contemplative experience, with spacious halls, open-viewing zones, and Penang’s serene oceanic backdrop.
Visitors will be treated to an intimate artistic odyssey of Lin’s, with both permanent and rotating exhibitions showcasing the artist’s early works, landscape pieces of Southeast Asia’s rich tapestry, as well as artworks that explore the unity and multicultural coexistence of humanity.
The project that’s worth a whopping RM88 million was initially set for a completion date in 2021 with construction beginning in December 2020, but the gallery is still in the works as of the time of writing.
While the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery’s official debut has yet to be confirmed, a launch date is tentatively scheduled for December 2025.
Image adapted from: Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery
For the uninitiated, Professor Lin Xiang Xiong is a world-renowned artist and entrepreneur who has had his works showcased in solo exhibitions across the world. Lin’s most recent exhibition in Paris – named The Vicissitudes of Life, and curated around three pressing global themes of anti-war, anti-poverty, and anti-pollution – saw the attendance of Former French president François Hollande, as well as former prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery at Penang’s The Light Waterfront
Already celebrated for its UNESCO-listed George Town, Penang Island will soon boast a dedicated art institution honouring one of Southeast Asia’s most influential artists. More than just a landmark to display creative expression, the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery hopes to foster the broader role of art in shaping society and inspiring future generations in Penang.
In the meantime, you can visit:
Cover image adapted from: Penang Property Talk