First Galleria
History Museum, Taiping

First Galleria, Taiping

Update - This museum closed down permanently on 30 August 2015.

First Galleria is a professionally presented history museum showcasing Taiping’s many firsts in five impressive permanent galleries.

As Taiping was one of the earliest towns in Malaysia to be developed by the British it is not surprising that the town can claim to be have been the first in the country in many fields including:

  • The first prison in Malaysia
  • The first railway
  • The first hospital
  • The first European Club
  • The first hill resort, Maxwell Hill (though this could be disputed by Penang (Penang Hill)
  • The first rest house
  • The first public park
  • The first clock tower
  • The first central market building
  • The first post office
  • The first golf course
  • The first Anglican Church
  • The first public swimming pool
  • The first girls school

 and many more.

Old Postcard at First Galleria

This Galleria is in a beautiful heritage building dating from 1891 which was last used as a furniture shop before its restoration. The upper floor is used for temporary displays and is also available to hire for weddings or other functions.

Inside there are many old photographs of Taiping and important characters in town’s history such as Sir Hugh Low and Captain Speedy.

There is a gift shop selling unique gifts that you won’t find elsewhere. Refreshments are on sale too.

Trishaw at First Galleria

The courtyard outside and the open space next to the Galleria (called Laman Budaya) also contain interesting exhibits including a diesel locomotive named Telok Chempedak, some sections of an old railway footbridge, a railway station sign, an English red phone box, a pair of cycle trishaws and more.

Diesel Locomotive at First Galleria

Verdict

Interesting attraction proving an excellent overview of the colourful events in Taiping’s past. It is expensive by Malaysian Museum standards but that is because it is privately managed and they are doing a good job in maintaining standards. The price also includes a guided tour.

Opening Hours and Admission Charges

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat:  9.30am to 5.30pm

Fri: 9.30am - 12.30pm 

Sun: 12.30pm - 5.30pm

Closed on the first day of Hari Raya.

Ticket Price

  • Adults RM 8 and Kids RM 3 (MyKad prices).
  • Foreign guests pay RM15.

Guided tours are provided.

How to Get To First Galleria

Address:

PWD 105, Station Road 

34000 Taiping, Perak, MALAYSIA

Tel : +605 805 2136 / 018 5887628

Fax : +605 805 2137

Facebook Page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Galleria-Taiping/209000902470926


The exact location is marked on the map on my Taiping Heritage Trail page.

Nearby

There is so much to see in Taiping. See my Taiping Heritage Trail for full details.

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