Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery is a New Turtle-Shaped Museum in Penang

There’s a new landmark rising above the waters of Penang – and it’s shaped like a turtle. Yes, we’re talking about Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery. Now in its soft-opening phase, this newly opened over-water art gallery at The Light Waterfront is the world’s first of its kind, built as a tribute to the life and works of Lin Xiang Xiong, one of Singapore’s most prolific artists.

Designed as an eight-storey art museum perched above the sea, the gallery is dedicated to “Art for Peace”. While its sculptural exterior turns heads from afar, step inside, and the experience becomes more contemplative. Expect expansive halls, open viewing zones and floor-to-ceiling perspectives framed by Penang’s calm ocean backdrop – a setting that encourages visitors to slow down and reflect.

The museum houses four permanent galleries across multiple floors: Story of Xiang Xiong, Story of Nanyang, The Vicissitudes of Life and Story of Nature. Together, they trace over six decades of Professor Lin’s artistic journey, from intimate personal works and vivid depictions of Southeast Asian life to emotionally charged anti-war pieces and serene tributes to the natural world. Adding to the experience is a special exhibition, Picasso and Lin Xiang Xiong: A Dialogue Across Time, which places handpicked works by Pablo Picasso alongside Lin’s to explore how art has long served as a shared visual language for peace across eras shaped by conflict.

Beyond exhibitions, the space is designed as a living cultural platform. The Art Seed Garden on the second floor focuses on art education for younger generations, while upper levels host international exhibitions, academic forums and global conversations centred on peace and cross-cultural exchange.

The museum is still in its soft-opening phase, but tickets are currently available for purchase on-site. If you’re planning your next Penang trip, this one’s well worth pencilling in. For more information, visit Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery’s website. 

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