Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery Opens, Bolstering Penang’s Role As International Arts Hub

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery officially opened its doors today, marking the arrival of a new international arts institution in Penang founded on the ideals of art, humanity and peace.

The unveiling ceremony was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and attended by former French Prime Minister and founder of Leaders for Peace Jean-Pierre Raffarin, together with the gallery’s founder, Prof Lin Xiang Xiong.

Chow said the art gallery represents a new venture for Penang in positioning the state as a hub for art and art-related activities, comparable to renowned institutions such as the Louvre in Paris and the Tate Modern in London.

He said many tourists today plan their travels around major galleries and cultural attractions, as they seek to learn, explore and experience art as part of their travel journey.

“If Penang can build a strong identity around the arts, it will make our state even more attractive to visitors. This is especially important as we head towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026, as we need to diversify our creative economy and cannot rely solely on heritage.

“We must find new avenues, new content and new experiences that keep Penang exciting and relevant to the world. With a gallery of this standard, I believe we are moving in the right direction,” he said in his speech at the event here today.

Meanwhile, Lin, 80, emphasised the importance of art in today’s turbulent world, saying art can steady emotions, elevate awareness and deepen understanding amid tension and conflict.

“Art cannot directly stop wars, but it can illuminate the mind. When countless points of light converge, darkness will eventually be dispelled,” he said.

To commemorate its opening, the gallery is presenting a special exhibition titled Picasso and Lin Xiang Xiong: A Dialogue Across Time.

Centred on the theme of dialogue, the exhibition explores the artistic resonance between Picasso’s modernist language and the Eastern cultural perspectives embedded in Lin’s works, addressing themes such as anti-war, anti-poverty and environmental consciousness in line with the gallery’s mission of “Art for Peace”.

Also held today was the Art for Peace International High-Level Art Forum, which gathered distinguished cultural, diplomatic and artistic leaders from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), France, Brazil, Japan, China and Malaysia for cross-civilisational conversations with Lin.

Located at The Light Waterfront here, the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, with an estimated value of RM100 million, is poised to become a landmark of cultural confidence and global artistic engagement in Malaysia.

Rising eight storeys above the sea, the gallery houses a collection of more than 1,000 artworks, with over 400 pieces displayed throughout the year through a dynamic rotation of visual narratives and humanistic reflections.

Its facilities include an art education centre, permanent exhibition floors, a special exhibition hall and an international collaboration conference room. 

The sixth floor also serves as an international exhibition platform that will host leading artists and curated projects from around the world, positioning the gallery as a hub for cross-cultural dialogue and artistic innovation.

Beyond presenting Lin’s works, the gallery aims to foster sustained international artistic exchange through exhibitions, joint curatorial initiatives, forums and educational programmes, gradually developing into an open, diverse and long-term cultural platform.

The gallery is currently in its soft-opening phase and will be open to the public beginning Tuesday, Dec 16, operating from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.

During this period, tickets are available for on-site purchase with online ticketing and reservation systems to be introduced progressively.

-- BERNAMA