The Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery in Penang officially opened its doors on 15 December 2025, signalling a new chapter for art and culture in Malaysia. Designed as an eight-storey architectural landmark overlooking the sea, the gallery houses over 1,000 works, with more than 400 pieces displayed on a rotating basis.
Its spaces include permanent exhibition floors, a special exhibition hall, an art education centre, and a dedicated international collaboration floor for curated projects, creating a platform for both local and global artistic voices.
Art as Dialogue and Reflection
At the core of the gallery is the belief that art can foster understanding and dialogue across cultures. Professor Lin Xiang Xiong, whose works form the gallery’s foundation, reflects on the societal role of art.
“Art is not merely aesthetic. It is the yeast of human civilisation, a force that records truth and preserves conscience. When art becomes a bridge between civilisations, it fosters peace and mutual understanding.”
The opening also saw Professor Lin’s appointment to the Leaders for Peace Council, a global organisation promoting civilisational dialogue, further reinforcing the gallery’s role in connecting art and diplomacy.
Dialogue Across Time
The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, “Picasso and Lin Xiang Xiong: A Dialogue Across Time”, explores resonances between Eastern and Western artistic languages. The exhibition engages with themes of anti-war, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility, positioning contemporary art as a medium for reflection, engagement and cultural exchange.
International Artistic Exchange
Complementing the exhibition, the Art for Peace International High-Level Art Forum brought together cultural, diplomatic and artistic leaders from UNESCO, France, Brazil, Japan, China and Malaysia. Discussions focused on the intersection of governance, arts and peace, exploring how creativity can build empathy and understanding amid global uncertainty.
Located at The Light Waterfront on Penang Island, the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery is currently in its soft-opening phase. It opens Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays). Tickets are available on-site, with online reservations to be introduced later.
