Georgetown, the UNESCO World Heritage listed township in Penang, Malaysia, is home to a huge number of museums. With state museums, heritage listed houses that have been turned into museums, jewellery museums and a number of others that showcase the area’s fascinating multi-cultural history, there’s no shortage of places to visit!
As well as the more traditional museums, Penang also has a number ‘alternative’ museums – interactive and one of a kind. The most recent addition to the scene is the ‘Upside-Down’ museum. With a name like that, I just had to visit!
The Upside Down museum features – you guessed it – things that are upside down. Designed as an interactive exhibit, the museum is arranged like a house, where you move from various rooms like the lounge, kitchen, bedroom to bathroom, followed by a cafe scene and outdoor scenes. It is INCREDIBLY well done. Whilst completely gimmicky, you can’t help but laugh as you enter through to each space, completely amazed that every tiny detail has been thought of and is perfectly arranged – upside down.
Each area has attendants that can take your photo for you. They give you ideas on how to pose correctly to interact with the items, and then take your photo on your various devices. Whilst I did feel that I was ushered from one area to the next rather quickly, the system works as they hold back the next visitor so you get the space to yourself for those great shots – without random extra legs.
Obviously the main point of visiting is to get some seriously mind-bending photos – without further ado, here are my favourites!
Apologies in advance for the quality, I only had my iPhone on me as the GoPro had died!
I am totally Abu in this photo.
FAST FACTS
- How to get there?
The Upside Down Museum is located at 45 Kimberley Street, in Georgetown, Penang
- How much is it?
Entrance fee per adult was 27 RM / $9.00 AUD – whilst I initially felt that was a bit pricey before going in, once I saw the quality of the museum and how much work had gone in to creating this unique concept – I thought it was really well priced.
- Top tips for visiting:
As mentioned previously, I did feel like I was rushed in my visit – I was only at the museum for half an hour. Check your photos as they’re taken, and think of new angles and positions to try for a more creative image. Don’t feel pushed to move on if you’re not ready – linger back and take more shots, but stay out of the way of the next person in the queue.
As I went on my own, I had no choice but to trust the attendants to take photos, but if I’d gone with Mike, not only would we have had better shots (I seriously need my own camera!) but we could have framed them exactly how we wanted.
Plus, its more fun with friends!
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