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Not a big fan of museums? Me neither. But don’t let the word ‘museum’ repel you from this one. It could be one of the most enjoyable museums out there.
The Penang Upside-Down Museum is meant to replicate old Chinese houses in Penang. It has its own living room, dining hall, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and everything else you might expect in a typical house. Except that everything is upside down. That’s right — everything, from the sofa to the bathtub, is glued to the ceiling!
The idea is to take pictures of yourself in the rooms so that when you rotate the photos upside down, it will look as though you’re defying gravity.
Opening Hours
9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (opens every day)
Entrance Fees (2023)
Non-Malaysians
Adult: RM29
Child (5 – 12 years old): RM21
Malaysians (with MyKad):
Adult: RM21
Child (5 – 12 years old): RM12
Do follow their Facebook page for latest promotions and updates.
What to Expect at Penang Upside-Down Museum
Depending on what time of the day and what time of the year you go, there might already be a line of people waiting to go in. But don’t worry — you won’t have to wait long or fight with other people for a good photo.
Only one group of visitors will be allowed in each room at any one time. That means, if you’re solo, it will only be you. You won’t be sharing the room with other people.
I like how much detail they put in each room. Look at the photo above and notice the toiletries beside the sink, the cleaning agents on the shelf below it, the tiles, the toilet paper, etc.
However, you won’t have much time to look around. There is a photographer in each room and they will take your phone and tell you how to pose. Then, they’ll snap a few shots and hurry you along to the next room.
I think I only spent on average 1 – 2 minutes in each room, and less than an hour in the entire museum.
Tips for Visiting Penang Upside-Down Museum
- Make sure you bring your camera/phone with you. The visit would be pointless without one.
- Make sure your camera/phone has enough battery and storage. The photographer will take at least two shots for each pose.
- To make the photos more believable, if you have long hair, tie it up in a bun. Otherwise, it would give the secret away. Case in point:
An extra-terrestrial being trying to invade your fridge.- For the same reason, try not to wear skirts, dresses, or loose shirts.
- Or, if you don’t have anything to tie your hair with, hold it like this:
And now trying to steal your dinner.You’re welcome.
Final Thoughts
Is the Penang Upside-Down Museum worth visiting?
Yes, I definitely think it is.
I like that they have their own photographers. It is especially helpful for solo travelers because we all understand how hard it is to rely on self-timer all the time.
The fact that they tell you how to pose is also another plus because otherwise, you’d be wasting so much time trying to think of ideas.
One of the rooms was not upside down but sideways.The whole process is super-efficient. Instead of having everybody randomly ambling around in the museum, allowing only one group in each room helps everyone get good photos without having any photo-bombers.
In the beginning, you might feel as though you’re being rushed through the experience, but it will soon make sense because this museum is something you can only truly appreciate once you go home and look at the pictures.
Have you been to any upside-down museum? Share your experience in the comment section below.
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