
Old Town Hall, George Town
The Town Hall is located at Padang Kota Lama, the waterfront esplanade surrounded by historical landmarks. George Town, named for King George III, was founded by Captain Francis Light in 1786. The Town Hall main building was completed in 1883. There was an assembly hall, a library, and a grand ballroom.
An annex was built in 1890. A porch and another upper floor added in 1903. The left wing of the hall was added in 1930. The hall is the city's oldest civic building and the former home of the Municipal Commission of George Town. It was also a watering hole for the European elites in the happy days of Empire, no natives allowed.
The Municipal Commission found the hall space to be insufficient. Another building was constructed next to the Town Hall in 1903. It became the new Municipal Offices. It was officially renamed City Hall in 1957, when the town was granted city status. The Town Hall continued as a venue for social and music events.
In 1993 the Municipal Council moved for demolition of the building. The Malaysian National Museum intervened however, and identified the Hall as an historical monument. The Town Hall is currently used for public celebrations, concerts and art exhibitions. It is part of the George Town Festival in August.
An annex was built in 1890. A porch and another upper floor added in 1903. The left wing of the hall was added in 1930. The hall is the city's oldest civic building and the former home of the Municipal Commission of George Town. It was also a watering hole for the European elites in the happy days of Empire, no natives allowed.
The Municipal Commission found the hall space to be insufficient. Another building was constructed next to the Town Hall in 1903. It became the new Municipal Offices. It was officially renamed City Hall in 1957, when the town was granted city status. The Town Hall continued as a venue for social and music events.
In 1993 the Municipal Council moved for demolition of the building. The Malaysian National Museum intervened however, and identified the Hall as an historical monument. The Town Hall is currently used for public celebrations, concerts and art exhibitions. It is part of the George Town Festival in August.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in George Town. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Old Town Hall on Map
Sight Name: Old Town Hall
Sight Location: George Town, Malaysia (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: George Town, Malaysia (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in George Town, Malaysia
Create Your Own Walk in George Town
Creating your own self-guided walk in George Town is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
George Town's Historical Religious Buildings
George Town has much to be proud of when it comes to religious heritage, as the city has a host of wonderful churches, temples, mosques and other religious centers. Each is beautifully decorated and has its own unique story to tell. Check out the most interesting historical religious edifices in the city with this self-guided walking tour.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
George Town Introduction Walking Tour
Some felt in Malaya that the city of George Town should be renamed Tanjung Penaga ("Cape Penaga"). That was the name of the area where George Town now stands. But the Chinese, British, Muslim, Malay and Indian movers and shakers of the town wisely declined. It might be bad for business.
Captain Francis Light, R. N., came to Tanjung Penaga in 1786. He wanted to set up an entrepôt for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Captain Francis Light, R. N., came to Tanjung Penaga in 1786. He wanted to set up an entrepôt for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Farquhar Street Walking Tour
The Farquhar Street is home to a number of interesting historic buildings and other heritage sites. In fact, it has been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 2008. Here you can see the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the St. Xavier school and the Protestant Cemetery, where Francis Light's tomb is located. While you’re here, take this self-guided walking tour to admire the beautiful... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles