A groundbreaking 8,000-square-meter art museum designed by internationally renowned artist Professor Lin Xiang Xiong is set to open in Penang, Malaysia on December 14, 2025. The Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, conceived as more than just an exhibition space, aims to serve as a platform for global cultural exchange and promote peace through artistic expression.
The seven-story building, which resembles a turtle in its architectural design, represents the culmination of Lin's grandest vision, with its foundation laid in 2019. The gallery will house an impressive collection of 500 artworks, including 300 of Lin's own pieces and 200 works from international artists. This ambitious project embodies Lin's lifelong dream to make art a catalyst for global peace and harmony.
Professor Lin has been an outspoken advocate for using art as a powerful medium to promote peace and unity. In 2016, he curated the UNESCO exhibition "Art for Peace & Cultural Dialogue between East and West," calling on artists worldwide to rise as peacemakers, reduce inequality, and protect the planet. His artistic philosophy centers on the belief that art can bridge cultural divides and foster international understanding.
The gallery currently features several significant exhibitions, including "Story of Nanyang," "The Vicissitudes of Life--Anti-Poverty," and "Opposing War, Advocating Peace." These exhibitions showcase Lin's commitment to addressing social issues through his artwork. His "Story of Nanyang" series includes notable pieces such as "Singapore River I," "Singapore River II," and "Singapore River III," which capture the essence of Southeast Asian culture and history.
Lin's "The Vicissitudes of Life--Anti-Poverty" series demonstrates his dedication to highlighting global inequality and social justice issues. This collection includes powerful works such as "Hard Life Under Mounting Clouds," "On The Same Planet, It's Hard To Find Food And Shelter!" "No Fresh Milk Supply In Hunger," "Cows," "Dark Sky And Ground, What A Life For The Underprivileged!" "Skinny Cow In Late Autumn," and "Hope. Fate." These pieces use striking imagery to draw attention to poverty and social disparities.
Recent developments show significant progress toward the gallery's opening. In February 2025, Professor Lin conducted a courtesy visit with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to report on the museum's progress. During this meeting, he confirmed that preparations have been intensifying over recent months, with the gallery expected to officially open by the end of 2025.
The Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery is positioned to become a new cultural landmark in Penang, joining the state's rich heritage of arts and culture. The facility will offer permanent galleries featuring Lin's work, rotating exhibitions, special events, and educational programs. The gallery's mission extends beyond traditional art exhibition, aiming to create meaningful dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures while promoting peace and understanding through artistic expression.
