Penang Street Art Guide: George Town's Open-Air Gallery
In 2012, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic transformed George Town into an open-air gallery. Today, the UNESCO zone features dozens of murals and 52 steel rod sculptures that tell the story of Penang's heritage.
Interactive Street Art Map#
Coming soon: An interactive map with all mural locations, walking routes, and photo tips.
Iconic Must-See Murals#
These are the murals that put George Town on the map. Expect crowds at peak times.
Kids on Bicycle
IconicErnest Zacharevic • 2012
The most iconic street art in Penang, featuring two children on an old bicycle. This interactive mural encourages visitors to pose on the real bicycle attached to the wall.
Boy on Chair
IconicErnest Zacharevic • 2012
A whimsical mural of a boy reaching for something while standing on a chair. One of the original Mirrors George Town series that put Penang street art on the map.
Boy on Motorbike
IconicErnest Zacharevic • 2012
A young boy on a vintage motorcycle, with a real motorcycle prop for interactive photos. Located in a quiet residential area.
All Murals#
Kids on Bicycle
IconicErnest Zacharevic • 2012
The most iconic street art in Penang, featuring two children on an old bicycle. This interactive mural encourages visitors to pose on the real bicycle attached to the wall.
Boy on Chair
IconicErnest Zacharevic • 2012
A whimsical mural of a boy reaching for something while standing on a chair. One of the original Mirrors George Town series that put Penang street art on the map.
Brother and Sister on a Swing
Louis Gan • 2012
A heartwarming mural showing two children on a swing, with the actual swing attached to the wall for interactive photos.
Little Girl in Blue
Ernest Zacharevic • 2012
A sweet portrait of a girl in a blue dress, one of Zacharevic's smaller but beloved works in the Armenian Street area.
Boy on Motorbike
IconicErnest Zacharevic • 2012
A young boy on a vintage motorcycle, with a real motorcycle prop for interactive photos. Located in a quiet residential area.
Minions
Lithuanian (ASA) • 2013
A colorful mural featuring the popular Minion characters. A hit with families and children.
Kungfu Girl
Ernest Zacharevic • 2012
A powerful mural of a girl practicing martial arts, showcasing Zacharevic's ability to capture movement and energy.
Reaching Up
Julia Volchkova • 2014
A stunning large-scale mural of a Miao tribe girl reaching upward. One of the largest and most impressive murals in George Town.
Cats and Humans
ASA (Artists for Stray Animals) • 2013
A series of cat-themed murals around George Town, created to raise awareness for stray animals. Part of the 101 Lost Kittens project.
Bruce Lee Kicks
Various Artists • 2016
A dynamic mural of Bruce Lee in his iconic pose. While not by Zacharevic, it's become a popular stop on the street art trail.
Steel Rod Sculptures#
52 steel rod sculptures depicting scenes from traditional Penang life. More subtle than murals but equally meaningful.
Old Uncle with Coffee Shop
Steel Rod Sculpture Series • 2012
Part of the 52 steel rod sculptures installed around George Town, depicting scenes from traditional Penang life. This one shows an uncle at a kopitiam.
Trishaw Paddler
Steel Rod Sculpture Series • 2012
A delicate steel rod sculpture depicting a traditional trishaw paddler, celebrating Penang's iconic mode of transport.
Photography Tips#
Best Time for Photos
Early morning (7-9am) for empty streets. Golden hour (5-6pm) for warm light. Avoid 10am-3pm when tour groups arrive.
Dealing with Crowds
Visit on weekdays. Queue patiently at popular murals. Consider revisiting early morning if first attempt is crowded.
Interactive Murals
Many murals include real props (bicycles, swings). Be gentle with them. Take turns and be considerate of other visitors.
Finding Hidden Art
Some murals are in narrow alleys. Pick up a free map from tourist offices. Steel sculptures are often overlooked - look for them!
Suggested Walking Route#
This 2-3 hour walking route covers the main murals in an efficient loop. Start early to beat the heat and crowds.
- 1
Armenian Street
Start at Kids on Bicycle, the most famous mural
- 2
Cannon Street
Boy on Chair and nearby steel sculptures
- 3
Muntri Street
Little Girl in Blue and Kungfu Girl
- 4
Stewart Lane
Minions mural and Brother & Sister on Swing
- 5
Ah Quee Street
Boy on Motorbike - iconic interactive mural